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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 3/8/2020 Chicago Blackhawks 1180109 NHL observations: Coronavirus starting to have major 1180147 Jeremy Colliton wise to reserve Jonathan Toews-Patrick impact on hockey world Kane nuclear line for desperate times 1180110 Ducks’ Hampus Lindholm not returning any time soon 1180148 njuries disrupt encouraging stretches for Blackhawks 1180111 With Hampus Lindholm’s status unclear, will Ducks rookie defensemen Adam Boqvist and Lucas Carlsson defense begin to feel strain? 1180149 Report: NHL to close team dressing rooms to media Saturday due to coronavirus concerns 1180150 Kate Scott ready to call monumental Blackhawks-Blues 1180112 Arizona Coyotes fall just short in road loss to Calgary game on Sunday Flames 1180151 Source: Blackhawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov to sign PTO with IceHogs 1180152 How exactly did the Blackhawks lose to the last-place Red 1180113 In a fight-filled night, Bruins can’t catch Lightning Wings? 1180114 With defenseman Brandon Carlo out, John Moore gets another shot in Bruins’ lineup 1180115 Bruins-Lightning: Sign me up for another matchup, this 1180153 Chambers: San Jose coronavirus warning won’t stop time in the playoffs Avalanche from playing Sharks 1180116 Observations from the Bruins-Lightning slugfest 1180154 ‘It’s going to be emotional’: Avs’ Joonas Donskoi makes 1180117 Tuukka Rask benefits greatly from a modified workload. way back to San Jose So do the Bruins 1180155 Avalanche fall 6-3 in Vancouver; streak ends at nine 1180118 NHL closing dressing rooms to media amid coronavirus games concerns? It was business as usual Saturday 1180119 Bruins fall to Lightning in fight-filled affair 1180120 Bruins notebook: John Moore gets a chance again; for 1180156 Blue Jackets go to the dogs, and it lifts their spirits now 1180157 Oilers 4, Blue Jackets 1| Jackets stonewalled in Edmonton 1180121 Loss of Brando Carlo could be a big one 1180158 Blue Jackets need Pierre-Luc Dubois to start pulling his 1180122 NHL Sunday Notes: Don’t sleep on importance of rest weight offensively 1180123 Bruins pregame notes: B’s can shock away Lightning 1180124 Lightning's trade deadline moves make them better- equipped to beat Bruins in playoffs 1180159 Stars lose to Nashville on a ‘flukey’ as frustrating skid 1180125 Bruins-Lightning Talking Points: B's power play struggles extends to five games continue vs. Lightning 1180160 Stars 20/20: Offensive drought continues as losing skid 1180126 Pat Maroon details altercation with Bruins' Zdeno Chara reaches five games that sparked line brawl 1180127 NHL Highlights: Bruins come up short in wild one vs. Lightning, 5-3 1180161 Reports: Detroit Red Wings to close dressing room to 1180128 Watch Bruins' Chris Wagner trade punches with Barclay media because of coronavirus Goodrow in spirited fight 1180162 Here's how the Detroit Red Wings played like the team 1180129 Bruins set for normal dressing room access amid NHL they want to be coronavirus precautions 1180163 Jeff Daniels, Dave Coulier announce Detroit Red Wings 1180130 Bruins goalie prospect Jeremy Swayman having awesome starting lineup: How it happened season for Maine 1180164 No, Detroit Red Wings won't set a team record for fewest 1180131 Bruce Cassidy thinks Bruins' Tuukka Rask is pretty close points. But it'll be damn close to playoff form 1180165 NHL taking precautions against coronavirus — asks to 1180132 Bruins' Brandon Carlo (upper body) out for Saturday's teams to close locker rooms to media game vs. Lightning 1180166 As coronavirus precaution, NHL and possibly NBA closing 1180133 Bruins’ fists fly with playoff meeting on the line rooms to media 1180167 Red Wings’ Filip Zadina to benefit from more games this Buffalo Sabres season 1180134 Amerks gain more ground on Belleville 1180168 Red Wings turn back clock in spirited game against former 1180135 Sabres' new-look lineup can't break through as losing rival streak reaches 6 1180136 The Wraparound: Flyers 3, Sabres 1 1180137 Mike Harrington's NHL Power Rankings 1180169 Koskinen saves the Oilers big time as they hold off Blue 1180138 Sabres game day: Rugged March schedule continues with Jackets red-hot Flyers 1180170 Edmonton Oilers return home to make their last stand 1180139 Waiting in the wings: Sabres will see scoring options on 1180171 Edmonton Oilers Game Day: Home for the stretch drive the free-agent market 1180172 Lowetide: Oscar Klefbom’s return and usage a key element for Oilers stretch run Calgary Flames 1180140 Game Day: Flames vs. Golden Knights 1180141 Flames, NHL taking precautions amid COVID-19 spread 1180173 On big night for , Panthers goalie Chris 1180142 Flames netminder Cam Talbot reflects on winding path to Driedger also delivered a win 300 NHL starts 1180174 Emotional Roberto Luongo has jersey retired by Florida 1180143 Constantly having to overcome adversity at home is Panthers at BB&T ceremony making Calgary a better team 1180175 Roberto Luongo makes more Panthers history with jersey retirement 1180144 Trocheck scores in OT, lifts Hurricanes over Islanders 3-2 1180145 Hurricanes recall Morgan Geekie from Checkers 1180146 ‘I loved everything about that game’: Canes play ugly to snap winless streak Los Angeles Kings New York Rangers 1180176 NHL observations: Coronavirus starting to have major 1180216 Igor Shesterkin allows five goals in first game back from impact on hockey world accident 1180177 Women’s hockey world championships canceled because 1180217 David Quinn recalls playing in empty arena in ‘Measles’ of coronavirus outbreak Game’ 1180178 Column: Sled hockey helps teenage double amputee 1180218 Rangers can’t pick up Igor Shesterkin as playoff hopes thrive: ‘I’m in the best place possible’ take hit 1180179 Dustin Brown hat trick leads Kings to 5th win in a row 1180219 Rangers, Islanders close locker room access amid 1180180 Coronavirus will cause Kings to alter plans for scouting, coronavirus media interviews 1180220 Postgame analysis: Igor Shesterin's return spoiled as NY 1180181 MARCH 7: POST-GAME NOTES, HIGHLIGHTS, TODD Rangers lose to Devils MCLELLAN QUOTES 1180221 NY Rangers projected lineup: Igor Shesterkin could return; 1180182 GAME 68: LOS ANGELES VS MINNESOTA Kaapo Kakko moves down 1180183 AEG/STAPLES CENTER CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT 1180222 Igor Shesterkin pulled in his return as Rangers lose to Devils 1180223 David Quinn remains high on Rangers' Kaapo Kakko, 1180184 Minnesota travels to play the Ducks Devils' Jack Hughes 1180185 Wild-Los Angeles game recap 1180224 Rangers mishandle prosperity, sloppily drop an important 1180186 Gameday preview: Wild at Anaheim game 1180187 Wild's recent moves a page out of the Twins playbook 1180188 Dustin Brown has hat trick, Kings beat Wild 7-3 1180189 Wild falls flat in Los Angeles, losing 7-3 to Kings 1180225 Senators game goes on, but novel coronavirus hitting San 1180190 Wild closes locker room for coronavirus control Jose tourism industry hard 1180191 Wild's road trip continues with matinee vs. Kings 1180226 Former Shark Tierney gives Senators overtime victory 1180192 Kings knock Wild back to earth with 7-3 rout 1180227 WARREN'S PIECE: Senators' Wolanin returns and 1180193 Wild have no time to hang their heads after critical setback coronavirus concerns in playoff race 1180228 Ottawa Senators say CEO’s firing tied to ex-wife’s allegations Montreal Canadiens 1180194 Panthers net three in final period to upend Canadiens 1180195 In the Habs Room — Same old story for Canadiens in 4-1 1180229 Carter Hart leads the way as Flyers beat Sabres, 3-1, for loss to Panthers ninth straight win 1180196 About Last Night: It's hard for Habs fans not to feel 1180230 Quick observations from the Flyers 3-1 win over the apathetic about their team Sabres 1180197 Panthers tame a Canadiens team with no bite absent 1180231 Capitals beat Penguins to give Flyers another reason to leading scorer Tatar focus on Buffalo 1180198 NHL considers closing locker rooms to media because of 1180232 Looking for ninth straight win, Flyers’ next test is Buffalo coronavirus on Saturday 1180199 Liveblog replay: Panthers win 4-1 over the Habs 1180233 Flyers' Farabee makes his own luck against Sabres 1180200 Canadiens' Shea Weber has respect for Lightning's 1180234 The Heron's Nest: Schumer not helping with civil Mikhail Sergachev discourse; break up the Flyers! 1180201 Canadiens Game Day: Habs hoping to honour Henri 1180235 Flyers still welcoming media and fans ... for now Richard vs. Panthers 1180236 Flyers win 9th straight, fortunate to keep pace in 1180202 Canadiens at Panthers: Five things you should know Metropolitan Division thanks to Carter Hart, Claude Giroux 1180203 Video Review: Jake Evans continues to impress on the 1180237 Carter Hart wills Flyers to ninth straight win 4th line 1180238 Coronavirus hasn’t affected the Flyers’ plans yet, but new policy may be coming 1180204 Juuse Saros, Predators shut out Stars for 2nd time in 3 Pittsburgh Penguins days 1180239 Minor league report: Penguins snap losing streak 1180240 Kevin Gorman: For Penguins, losing to Capitals was about missed opportunities 1180205 Devils erupt for 6 goals to play spoiler in win over Rangers 1180241 Despite NHL coronavirus concerns, Penguins allow 1180206 Devils’ lines, pairings vs. Rangers (3/7/20) | Janne reporters in dressing room for interviews Kuokkanen recalled from AHL 1180242 Penguins look sleepy in home loss to Capitals 1180207 How Cory Schneider’s NHL return has become a rallying 1180243 Penguins to start Matt Murray against Capitals point for Devils 1180244 Penguins-Hurricanes: Game time, TV-radio information, 1180208 NJ Devils emboldened by win over Rangers, why they matchup notes aren't tanking 1180245 As COVID-19 spreads, NHL reportedly considers modifying media access 1180246 Penguins cough up three goals on odd-man rushes in 5-2 1180210 Islanders skid continues as Trocheck scores in OT to lift loss to Capitals Hurricanes 1180247 Penguins-Capitals: Game time, TV information and 1180211 Islanders’ slump worsens with crushing loss to Hurricanes matchup notes 1180212 Rangers, Islanders close locker room access amid 1180248 Humbled at home by Capitals, Penguins facing pivotal coronavirus point in their season 1180213 Mathew Barzal's kills Islanders' chance to win 1180214 For sputtering Islanders, missing playoffs would be disaster 1180215 Islanders fall in overtime to Hurricanes; losing streak reaches six Websites 1180249 San Jose Sharks take measures to slow spread of 1180287 The Athletic / Women’s worlds canceled, NHL considering coronavirus media changes due to coronavirus 1180250 Sharks sunk by former teammate’s goal in overtime loss 1180288 The Athletic / Bourne: Sorting one-offs from trends is a 1180251 Injured Sharks rookie defenseman out vs. Senators, likely daily effort for coaches and media out vs. Avalanche 1180289 .ca / Mikko Koskinen helps tired Oilers get win 1180252 Sharks' Brent Burns excited to 'eat more' after most ice despite being outplayed time since 2016 1180290 Sportsnet.ca / Luongo's legacy could leave Canadiens' 1180253 Sharks takeaways: What we learned in 2-1 overtime loss Price thinking about his own vs. Senators 1180291 Sportsnet.ca / How NHL Seattle is changing the game with 1180254 NHL rumors: CDC advises league close locker rooms to focus on diversity stop coronavirus 1180292 Sportsnet.ca / Quick Shifts: Maple Leafs have 'an elite 1180255 Joe Thornton, Sharks help Selena Urban live out her goal scorer' on the way Make-A-Wish dream 1180293 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' California catastrophe could 1180256 Sharks taking precautions with coronavirus, but haunt them down the line proceeding as planned 1180294 TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Avalanche 1180257 ‘It’s going to be emotional’: Avs’ Joonas Donskoi makes way back to San Jose 1180284 SCOTT'S SCRIBBLES: What big win means for the Jets, St Louis Blues and what it doesn't 1180258 Blues second power-play unit has outshone first unit 1180285 What Blake Wheeler is really saying about Winnipeg’s win 1180259 Blues notebook: Faulk doesn't practice, will be game-time over Las Vegas decision for Blackhawks game SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1180260 Preview: Blues at Blackhawks 1180261 Faulk will be game-time decision for Blues on Sunday 1180262 Blues' winning streak halted by rare loss to New Jersey 1180263 Go east, young men: Blues' top farm team will be in Springfield, Mass. 1180264 Lightning win physical game against Bruins 1180265 NHL to close locker rooms to media due to coronavirus concerns 1180266 Lightning score two shorthanded goals on one penalty 1180267 NHL starts closing dressing rooms to media to prevent spread of coronavirus 1180268 Maple Leafs have ‘one foot in, one foot out,’ according to Auston Matthews, and very little time to make up th 1180269 Campbell's belief in Leafs teammates, positive outlook not shaken 1180270 Leafs' inconsistencies continue to be a problem as playoffs loom 1180271 SIMMONS SUNDAY: Does Shanahan really believe in these Leafs? Really? 1180272 Leafs end California trip with another offensively challenged loss 1180286 The Armies: In the year 2000, Big Game Fella, and Chris Tanev’s gutsy effort Vegas Golden Knights 1180273 Back-to-back games crucial for Golden Knights 1180274 Emergency backup goalie debate resurfaces in NHL 1180275 Golden Knights close locker room to media amid coronavirus fears 1180276 Golden Knights’ Cody Glass undergoes season-ending surgery 1180277 Golden Knights control the center of the ice better than any team in hockey Washington Capitals 1180278 Capitals power past Penguins with one focus: ‘This is the way we have to play’ 1180279 Fourth line comes through in dominant win over Penguins 1180280 The Capitals respond in Pittsburgh, the fourth line delivers and a good day from the PK 1180281 NHL, NBA may close locker rooms from media over coronavirus fears 1180282 Why Saturday's game between the Capitals and Penguins could be a first-round playoff preview 1180283 Five thoughts from the Capitals’ ‘important’ victory in Pittsburgh 1180109 Anaheim Ducks Most notably, they voted in favor of changing the application of the offside rule to allow players to be deemed onside as long as one of a player’s skates is above the vertical plane of the blue line even if it’s not NHL observations: Coronavirus starting to have major impact on hockey in contact with the ice. The recommendation will go to the joint NHL/NHL world Players’ Assn. competition committee and from there to the Board of Governors, which has final say.

HOCKEY By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST Elliott: Sled hockey helps teenage double amputee thrive: ‘I’m in the best MARCH 7, 20205:26 PM place possible’

The broader interpretation is intended to lead to more goals and fewer disruptive coach’s challenges. There were 18 coach’s challenges for The coronavirus outbreak has begun to impact hockey on global and skate-in-the-air situations through the first 1,015 games played this local levels. The International Federation announced season and in 14 cases goals were nullified. “It’s not a change in the rule, Saturday it had canceled the women’s world hockey championships, and it’s a change in the application of the rule to not be required to have the NHL edged toward taking steps that could include ordering teams to contact with the ice but for the skate to be over the blue line when the play in empty arenas in an effort to avoid crowds in which the virus could puck crosses the line,” said Kris King, the league’s senior vice president spread. of hockey operations. “We are dealing with a rapidly evolving situation and are preparing for all General managers also recommended no change to procedures that contingencies,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said by email govern the use of emergency backup goaltenders, which produced the Saturday morning. delightful story of 42-year-old David Ayres recording a win for Carolina at Last week, the league told employees to cancel business travel outside Toronto on Feb. 22. However, every emergency backup who is North America. It also advised teams to tell players to avoid close contact registered with the league’s Central Registry department will be required with fans and to skip high-fives or accepting items from fans. to undergo a physical exam before the season. There are 136 registered emergency backups this season. Although it was reported the NHL told teams to close their locker rooms to media in order to control the spread of the virus, not every team has Ayres, who drives the ice resurfacing machine at Toronto’s Mattamy done so. On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals Athletic Centre on the former site of Maple Leaf Gardens and opened their locker rooms after their games and the Ducks opened their occasionally practiced with the team, played the final 29 minutes for the room after they practiced. Hurricanes against Toronto after in-game injuries left Petr Mrazek and James Reimer unable to play. The San Jose Sharks, however, kept their room closed after practice Friday and the Dallas Stars closed their locker room after their game He made eight saves in becoming the oldest goalie in NHL history to win Saturday. Those teams brought players to a designated interview area. his regular-season debut, generating the best publicity the NHL has had in a long time as he became a sought-after guest on TV talk shows in the The Kings on Saturday closed their locker room to media “for U.S. and Canada. precautionary reasons,” a club spokesman said. Goaltender Cal Petersen wore gloves while speaking to reporters in a newly designated Also during the meetings, Daly said the salary cap for next season is interview area at Staples Center. projected to be between $84 million and $88.2 million, up from $81.5 million this season. The figure won’t be announced until June, though The IIHF cited “safety concerns for the well-being of players, officials, Daly said the league and the NHLPA have discussed possible ways to and spectators” in canceling the women’s world championships, which calculate the cap number sooner. were to be played in the Canadian cities of Halifax and Truro from March 31 through April 10. The decision follows a precedent set in 2003, when League executives also said puck and player tracking technology is in the women’s tournament was canceled in response to a SARS outbreak the final testing stages and will be ready for TV broadcasts of the playoffs in host country China. The U.S. women’s team has won the last five this spring. In reality, that’s a mixed blessing. In previous experiments, world titles. the puck trails and information generated by the tracking system have cluttered the screen so much that the action is difficult to follow. It will “Ultimately the IIHF council feels that there has not been enough of an evolve, no doubt. improvement to the coronavirus situation to allow us to safely host a 10- team international tournament within this time frame,” IIHF president Rene Fasel said. He added that Halifax and Truro will be given the LA Times: LOADED: 03.08.2020 chance host next year’s women’s world championship, pending final approval.

The status of other international hockey tournaments will be evaluated in the coming weeks, Fasel said. The men’s under-18 world championships are scheduled to be played April 16-26 in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Mich. The men’s world championships are scheduled to be played in May in Switzerland.

Also last week, the NHL’s Seattle expansion franchise postponed releasing season ticket prices and a seat selection process that would have brought visitors to a preview center. According to the Seattle Times, the decision was made “out of respect for concerns the team’s fans may have” over the coronavirus. The team is scheduled to begin play in 2021- 22.

The situation remains fluid and it’s not far-fetched to think NHL games will be postponed or canceled. “Wash your hands. Be safe,” Dustin Brown said after recording a hat trick in the Kings’ 7-3 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. Wise words in any situation.

The NHL always seems intent on reinventing itself. Maybe driven by a misguided desire to try to please everyone, league executives can rarely get through a season without changing a rule, tweaking another one, and generally fixing things that aren’t broken.

That’s why it was surprising to see sanity prevail when general managers met in Florida last week and made some sensible decisions. 1180110 Anaheim Ducks “You go back to L.A., and that series we had against Chicago, they were heavy, every series,” Murray said. “That’s still the type of hockey in seven-game series, that skill with the heaviness, so we have to continue Ducks’ Hampus Lindholm not returning any time soon to have a combination of both. But, yeah, I like that we’re trying to finish checks.

“Right now, this team, that’s how they have to play.” By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | [email protected] | Orange County Register GIBSON UPDATE PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 3:12 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 3:15 p.m. Murray said goaltender John Gibson suffered a groin muscle spasm near the end of the Ducks’ 2-1 victory Friday over the Maple Leafs, which was why he yielded to Ryan Miller for the final 9:40. Miller is likely to start Sunday against the Wild, with Gibson available to play again Tuesday IRVINE — Hampus Lindholm crashed-landed so heavily into the boards against the Senators. during the Ducks’ Feb. 25 game at Honda Center that he looked like one of those crash-test dummies tumbling out of control.

The defenseman had been battling for a loose puck with Leon Draisaitl of Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.08.2020 the Edmonton Oilers before falling awkwardly. His back, shoulder and head took the brunt of his second-period spill.

Lindholm sat out for the fifth consecutive game Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs because of multiple upper-body injuries, and Ducks general manager Bob Murray said Saturday there was no timetable for his return to the lineup. It could be later rather than sooner, however.

“There’s no timeline, no timeline whatsoever,” Murray said.

The news on Lindholm’s fellow injured defensemen – Cam Fowler, Eric Gudbranson and Josh Manson – was better, Murray said. Fowler has been out for nine games because of a lower-body injury. Gudbranson (upper body) has been sidelined 13 games and Manson (upper body) has missed two.

“It looks like Josh and Eric are pretty close,” Murray said. “I think Josh will play (Sunday) for sure. Eric has been cleared by doctors, but I don’t know if he’s quite ready yet. Cam skated hard three days in a row now. We’re going to be careful. I’m thinking middle of the week. Maybe.”

The Ducks host the Minnesota Wild on Sunday and the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday before facing St. Louis on Wednesday in a makeup game of their Feb. 11 game that was postponed after Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac arrest on the bench in the first period.

DEFENSE CORPS (PART 2)

Despite playing without their four top defensemen, the Ducks have won consecutive games Friday over the Maple Leafs and Wednesday over the Colorado Avalanche. Murray said he has been pleasantly surprised by the play of the replacements in the past two games.

“I think they’re competing hard,” he said of the Ducks’ new-look defense corps, including Jani Hakanpaa, a 27-year-old Finn who has played his first two NHL games this week. “The silver lining to everything is we’re getting a good look at some people in some tough situations.

“The bad part is I’d like to see Cam and Hampus, our good puck-movers, playing with some of the young forwards we have here now. That’s the bad side right now. I’d like to see it, but I don’t know if we’re going to see it.”

DEFENSE CORPS (PART 3)

The Ducks clogged the neutral zone in each of the past two games, cutting down on the time and space available to the opposition’s skilled players, including Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs and Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche. There was an added physical element to their play, too.

Murray liked the edgy part of the Ducks’ game, but he also wanted more speed.

“In today’s age, it’s almost like you have to have two different teams,” he said. “You’ve got to have a skilled team to get you into the playoffs, to play 82 games, and then you’ve got to have physical team (in the playoffs). It was all speed for a while, but the last two teams to win it were heavy.”

Murray referred to the Blues and the Washington Capitals, the last two Stanley Cup champions.

Could coronavirus fears force Southern California games to be held without fans? 1180111 Anaheim Ducks “They should be really proud of themselves, No. 1,” Eakins said. “They’ve come into a real tough spot with some tough opponents. And you should be quietly taking it in and going, ‘Hey, I can do this.’ And be proud of the With Hampus Lindholm’s status unclear, will Ducks defense begin to feel work you put in. But (it’s) that whole kind of group mentality, that mindset strain? where we’re going to all do this together.

“We can’t rely on one person or two top D or four top D. Whatever you want to do here, we can get things done if we have a certain mindset in By Eric Stephens the game if we’re detailed and we execute it.”

The number of Ducks defensemen has allowed Murray to look at those who are competing for jobs, whether in Anaheim or elsewhere. No one is IRVINE, Calif. — The status of the battered-but-not-broken blue line of signed beyond this season outside of Fowler, Manson, Lindholm and the Ducks took a positive turn in some respects. Josh Manson could Gudbranson. Keeping players such as the Leafs’ Matthews and Mitch return to action Sunday. Erik Gudbranson could follow him soon after. Marner off the scoresheet can leave quite an impression. Cam Fowler might return sometime this week if he keeps progressing with his recovery. One who could be playing his way into the team’s future is Djoos. Acquired from Washington’s AHL affiliate as the Capitals had no room for The air of positivity ended with Hampus Lindholm. him, the 25-year-old puck mover has played 21:33, 23:49, 25:52 and Lindholm, who has led Anaheim in average ice time this season, might 23:18 over his past four games with Anaheim. He had played only two be done for the season. Ducks general manager Bob Murray said on games with the Caps all season. Saturday that there is no timeline for a potential return for the 25-year- “I think they’re competing hard,” Murray said. “I like at times that they’re old, who has been sidelined since getting injured in a game March 25 — I call it they’re getting up on the play and they’re taking time and space against Edmonton. away from skill players. I can’t stand backing in. I’ve told the coaches Though he did not say the club was shutting him down for the final 14 over and over and over, ‘If you’re going to get beat, let’s get beat way up games, Murray did not have an encouraging update on his big-minute the ice. Let’s not get beat because we back in.’ So, I’ve liked that they’re defender. Lindholm, who averaged just over 23 minutes and is second in attempting to get up on the play and close. Take time and space away. I total playing time to Fowler, has what the Ducks say are multiple upper- think they’re competing hard. body injuries after an awkward fall into the boards while battling for “The silver lining to everything is we’re getting a good look at some territory with Oilers star Leon Draisaitl. The Athletic previously confirmed people in tough situations. The bad part is I’d like to see Cam, Hampus, that a sore back is part of his injuries. our real good puck movers, with some of our young forwards we’ve got If he does not return, Lindholm will finish with two goals and 20 assists in here now. That’s the bad side right now. We like to move it. I’d like to see a career-low 55 games. He has a minus-10 rating and compiled a 50.7 that, but I don’t know if we’re going to see it.” percent Corsi-for possession rating while being deployed for defensive Because they’ve already used their four recalls, the Ducks can bring up zone starts 53 percent of the time at even strength. players from the AHL’s only on an emergency basis to “He wants to play hockey,” Murray said, not wanting to divulge specifics fill in for those who are injured. Once Manson returns, it could mean that of Lindholm’s injuries in case he’s able to come back. “In this day and someone such as Hakanpää could be returned. Hakanpää, who was age, you’ve got to love the guys that want to play the game.” signed last summer, has played in his first two NHL games after playing the previous few seasons in his native Finland. The 6-foot-5 defender But the Anaheim defense corps should start to return to normal in the has been with the Gulls until now. coming games. Manson, who missed six weeks after spraining an MCL in October, could be out only two games after getting hurt on Tuesday in The way the Ducks have played with a physical edge has further Chicago. He has an upper-body ailment. supported Murray’s belief in having that element on his team as he incorporates more speed and skill. Watching Washington and St. Louis “I think Josh will play (Sunday) night for sure,” Murray said of the Ducks’ claim the past two Stanley Cups reinforced that. game against Minnesota. “It’s almost like in today’s age, you’ve got to have two different types of Gudbranson joined Manson in returning to practice on Friday. He hasn’t teams,” Murray said. “You got to have the skill teams to get you into the played since Feb. 7 at Toronto, a game he left during the first period with playoffs that can play 82 games and then you’ve got to have the team an upper-body injury. It does not appear he will play Sunday but home (that’s physical). Everybody went away there. It was all speed, all speed, games against Ottawa on Tuesday and St. Louis on Wednesday, when all speed. the Ducks and Blues will make up the game from Feb. 11, could be in play. “A couple teams (Chicago and Pittsburgh) won for a while. But the last two winners were heavy. And you go back to L.A. and back to the series “Erik has been cleared by the doctors, but I don’t know if he’s quite ready we had against Chicago. They were heavy every series. That’s still the yet,” Murray said. type of hockey in seven-game series. It’s the skill with the heaviness. So, we have to continue to try to have a combination of both.” Fowler had appeared in the first 59 games this season and still leads Anaheim defensemen with nine goals and 29 points. His lower-body John Gibson exited Friday’s contest in the third period with 9:40 injury came in the later stages of the Ducks’ loss at Calgary on Feb. 17. remaining and did not return as Ryan Miller had to finish the game. He had been working out with skills coach Larry Barron. Gibson left during a stoppage after Adam Henrique scored to give the “We’re going to be careful,” Murray said. “Cam wants to play.” Ducks a 2-0 lead. Miller stopped four of five shots he faced, allowing only a goal by William Nylander. To that point, Gibson had foiled all 26 of the Even with a decimated blue line that’s operated without its top four Maple Leafs’ shots. defenders, the Ducks have managed to survive and even thrive. The Ducks’ 2-1 win over Toronto on Friday marked four victories over their “He’s not bad,” Murray said. “I think we’ll hold him out as a backup past six games. tomorrow night. I think he had a spasm. He had a spasm in his groin. It wasn’t his rib. It was a groin thing. And he wisely said, ‘If I push this, I’ll All of that work has come after the NHL trade deadline. Murray reshaped tear this.’ I think he’ll be fine by Tuesday.” his defense by acquiring Christian Djoos and Matt Irwin, and Ducks coach Dallas Eakins has played them with Michael Del Zotto, Jacob Larsson, Brendan Guhle and the recently recalled Jani Hakanpää, who has filled in during Manson’s absence. The Ducks announced late The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 Saturday that Guhle was sent down to San Diego.

The unheralded group of six has performed well, particularly in the Ducks’ wins over Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Toronto — all dangerous offensive teams with franchise players such as Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews. 1180112 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes fall just short in road loss to Calgary Flames

Staff Report

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

MARCH 6, 2020 AT 10:22 PM

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Johnny Gaudreau, T.J. Brodie and Mikael Backlund scored, Matthew Tkachuk assisted on all of the goals and the Calgary Flames beat the Arizona Coyotes 3-2 on Friday night.

The Flames are 6-3-1 in their last 10. They moved within three points of Pacific Division-leading Vegas and a point behind second-place Edmonton.

Cam Talbot made 32 saves to win in his 300th NHL start.

Taylor Hall had a goal and an assist and Carl Soderberg also scored for Arizona.

Soderberg pulled Arizona within a goal at 10:57 of the second period. The Swede dove on a loose puck trickling between Talbot’s pads and shoveled it over the goal line.

Backlund made it 3-1 at 4:17 on a give-and-go with Andrew Mangiapane. Backlund swept the puck from the high slot into the net’s corner on Darcy Kuemper’s stick side.

Kuemper stopped 31 of 34 shots on the night.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180113 Boston Bruins always have an emphasis to have each other’s backs — to play as a unit, a team. You saw tonight, everybody responded the right way.”

The Bolts sprung out to a 4-2 lead early in the third on an Alex Killorn In a fight-filled night, Bruins can’t catch Lightning power-play goal. David Pastrnak drove in his league-leading goal No. 48 to close to 4-3 at 6:37, but with 1:02 to go Nikita Kucherov clipped the puck from David Krejci and fired in an empty-netter for the 5-3 closer. By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff “I think both teams kinda went toe-to-toe,” said Cassidy. “There’s a lot of Updated March 7, 2020, 11:52 p.m. value in that. We pride ourselves in that. In fact, it was discussed this year [by some in the media] that we didn’t have enough of that and I

certainly feel we do. We certainly tried to prove that tonight and tried to A raging rush of emotion took over the Bruins-Lightning matchup at the win the game at the same time.” Garden Saturday night.

From purely a results standpoint, the Bruins were losers, 5-3, the Black Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 and Gold watching their four-game winning steak get clipped after allowing a couple of shorthanded goals over a span of 62 seconds in the first period.

Otherwise, though, a sellout crowd of 17,850 watched a spirited, entertaining tug-of-war between Atlantic Division rivals that included four fighting majors, four 10-minute misconducts, and a total 94 penalty minutes on a night that harkened back to the days when bloody scraps were as much a part of the game as wooden sticks and leather skates.

Losses come in all shapes and forms, including such soul-crushers as the Bruins Game 7 defeat to the Blues in last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Then there are L’s like Saturday night, when 2 points disappear into thin air, but not before the building is infused with the acrid smell of two teams with a growing, intense dislike for one another.

“There’s a value in sticking up for one another,” said Boston coach Bruce Cassidy, his charges remaining stuck at 98 points in the standings, 2 short of being the first franchise to reach 100 this year. “There’s a value in responding, of course there is …. some nights it’s more important than the outcome. We wanted to respond.”

What set the table for teasing out Boston’s emotion was Barclay Goodrow’s high hit (elbow) on Bruins newcomer Ondrej Kase with 5:01 gone in the first period. Goodrow eventually would trade punches with Chris Wagner in the first spirited bout of the night, but it was that initial elbowing minor on Goodrow that ironically set the stage for the Bolts victory — and for pulling them within 7 points of the Bruins atop the division standings.

Only seven seconds after the Bruins went on the power play, the Bolts raced up ice and stuck in the 1-0 lead on an Anthony Cirelli shot that beat Tuukka Rask (25-8-6) on the short side. Only 62 seconds later, Goodrow still parked in the penalty box, Mikhail Sergachev ripped home a feed from Yanni Gourde to make it 2-0. Only 6:10 into the night and the Bruins were down by a pair, both of them shorties.

“The second one, I didn’t pick it up until it was in the net,” explained Rask. “One of those you have to be sharper and give your team a chance there. Especially on a power play. Those tough plays happen sometimes when there’s an odd-man rush — you want to be there for your teammates, but it didn’t happen today.”

The Bolts bumped it up to 3-0 on a Cedric Paquette goal (even strength) early in the third before the Bruins staged a rally, first with a Charlie McAvoy goal (No. 5) off the rush and then a Sean Kuraly strike (No. 6) that initially escaped the eyes of the officiating crew.

Play continued for another 17 seconds before the night’s featured bit of mayhem broke out in the neutral zone, highlighted by a Cirelli cross- check to Zdeno Chara’s back that felled the towering Boston captain. By the time it was sorted out, Chara had a fighting major and Kuraly a 10- minute misconduct, matched by Pat Maroon’s fighting major and Erik Cernak’s 10-minute misconduct. Bolts assistant coach Todd Richards also got tossed from the game.

All in all, Exhibit ‘A’ of two teams that haven’t liked each other for a while, particularly back to Round 2 of the 2018 playoffs when the Bolts eliminated the Bruins in six games.

Making it all the better, there’s a good chance they’ll meet sometime again this spring in the postseason. The Bolts took the four-game series, 3-1, and they proved Saturday, even without top gun Steve Stamkos in the lineup, they’re hardly intimidated by the Garden’s environs.

“That’s part of this game,” said a composed Chara. “You’re going to have games like that, a little bit more chippy than other games. We 1180114 Boston Bruins supposed to. All that stuff has been there every night, consistently, that’s why he’s stayed in the lineup.”

Moore, a lefthanded shot, flipped to his “off” side, allowing Grzelcyk, also With defenseman Brandon Carlo out, John Moore gets another shot in a lefthander, to remain in his customary role. Bruins’ lineup “That’ll be a challenge for him,” said Cassidy, noting Moore’s switch of sides.

By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff Cassidy said Moore has handled his sidelining like “a true professional” Updated March 7, 2020, 11:47 p.m. and credited him as “one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever been around.”

“Now he gets in the lineup,” added Cassidy. “And I am sure part of him, John Moore, a man without a roster spot since Feb. 12, moved back into depending on the length of injury [to Carlo], he wants to be able to stay in the Bruins’ lineup Saturday night, subbing in for the injured Brandon the lineup.” Carlo — last seen counting stars and hearing birdies Thursday night after the Panthers’ Evegeni Dadonov riveted an elbow hard into his Kuhlman demoted nose/mouth area. To make room to add Clifton to the active roster, the Bruins returned Carlo, perhaps the club’s most consistent back liner this season, did not winger Karson Kuhlman to AHL Providence. participate in the day-of-game workout in Brighton and coach Bruce Kuhlman, the ex-Minnesota-Duluth Bulldog, was scratched three of the Cassidy offered little about his condition or how soon he would be last four games and produced only a meager 1-5—6 line in 25 games available to play. this season.

“He’s out tonight . . . upper-body [injury],” said Cassidy, his club soon to He fell deeper in the order around the trade deadline when GM Don lose, 5-3, to Tampa Bay at TD Garden. “Didn’t skate . . . so until he’s Sweeney added Ducks wingers Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie, both of skating, I guess, then we’ll have a better idea. Certainly feeling better.” whom rode again as David Krejci’s wingers Saturday night.

Carlo, 23, had not missed a game this season, and cobbled together a 4- Despite his limited production, Kuhlman, 24, showed flashes of promise. 15—19 line, teaming up virtually all season with behind the Unlike many young forwards who’ve auditioned here in recent years, he No. 1 shutdown pairing, Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy. He also has showed a willingness to engage in the dirty work along the boards in paired with Chara as the top back line penalty-killing duo. high-density traffic areas around the net.

“We’ve got lots of good players we can plug in there,” noted Cassidy, Clifton, injured just before the new year, recently underwent a brief rehab who chose Moore instead of fellow reservist Connor Clifton to sub in for stint in Providence and has been ready to return to NHL action for the Carlo. last couple of weeks. His roster spot restored now with Kuhlman back “We’d rather have Brandon healthy and ready to go — he is one of the with the WannaB’s, he is eligible to play as early as Tuesday night in most underrated defensemen in the when it Philadelphia. comes to defending, penalty kill, shutdown-type role. And he’s grown his Watching from above offensive game. So we’ll miss him.” Anders Bjork who skated on a third line Thursday vs. the Panthers, again Carlo has sustained at least one concussion since joining the Bruins for was back in the press box, Cassidy opting for a Sean Kuraly-Charlie his rookie 2016-17 season. Drilled by the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin in the Coyle-Jake DeBrusk trio . . . Team captain Zdeno Chara, the league’s final regular-season game, he was sidelined for Round 1 of the playoffs greybeard, will turn 43 years old on March 18. Big Z, who signed a one- and was prepping to return, only to have the Bruins bow out in six games year contract this time last year, remains without a deal for 2020-21 . . . that spring to the Ottawa Senators. Newcomer Ritchie, who squared off in a fight Thursday with Florida’s Moore last suited up 24 days earlier in a 4-1 win over the Canadiens. Riley Stillman, had not had a fight since his March 16, 2018, bout with Now in the second season of the five-year deal he signed July 1, 2018, then-Red Wing winger Luke Witkowski, who signed with the Bolts over as an unrestricted free agent, Moore became an extra over the last six the summer as a free agent. He is currently with AHL Syracuse. weeks with the emergence of rookie Jeremy Lauzon. According to hockeyfights.com, Ritchie now has nine career fights, dating back to Feb. 2015. Lauzon, 22, was the 52nd pick in the 2015 draft, chosen by the Bruins the same day they took Carlo at No. 37. Now in his third pro season, Don’t blink Lauzon has teamed with Matt Grzelcyk on the third pairing and has The Bruins looked bad in allowing two shorthanded strikes in a span of proven to be a strong, promising contributor back there — pushing both 62 seconds. But they’ve looked worse. The franchise mark for Moore and Clifton lower on the depth chart. surrendering the two quickest shorties was set Dec. 28, 1958, when Red “It’s been really good . . . I think Grizz and I have been on the same Wings Alex Delvecchio and Nick Mickoski connected only 14 seconds page,” said Lauzon. “We help each other a lot. We talk to each other a lot apart. The Bruins hadn’t surrendered a pair on the same penalty since on the bench. Obviously, he’s a really skilled defenseman, so it’s really Dec. 4, 1966, when Maple Leafs Dave Keon and Bob Pulford combined easy to play with him. I just need to do my part, play physical, and make for two . . . David Pastrnak’s 48th goal of the season gives his line with space happen in front of him. Win my battle and give the puck to Gryz — Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand a total of 106 goals this season, it’s been really easy.” equaling their total goal output of last season . . . Pastrnak, Marchand, and Krug all finished an ugly -4 for the night . . . McAvoy has collected a Similar to how he has viewed Clifton, who sometimes takes bold gambles 2-5—7 line in his six games. He also delivered a team-high four hits and with the puck, Cassidy said he likes the fact that sometimes he has to led all Boston skaters with 25:45 in ice time . . . Marchand picked up an “coach down” the rookie. assist, extending his point streak (4-12—16) to a dozen games . . . The Bruins won’t practice Sunday. They’ll tune up Monday in Brighton before “By that I mean, I want the guys to go out there and have a willingness to flying to Philadelphia later in the day for Tuesday night’s visit with the do things without being reckless,” said Cassidy. “And he does that.” Flyers. Cassidy, on the cusp of delivering his third consecutive 100-point season behind the Boston bench, once was a first-round draft pick of the Blackhawks, a blue liner coveted for his offensive skills. Lauzon is not Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 that kind of performer, but Cassidy clearly values his skill set and overall contribution.

“He’s a young kid who’s seeing good challenges every night,” said the coach, who is 160-66-34 as Boston coach. “I like the way he responds. I like that he’s hard. It’s just cleaning up the details of his game that sometimes can take years for defensemen. But his competitiveness has never waned, his willingness to make a play, to stay up when he’s 1180115 Boston Bruins We’re a tough group, but seeing guys stick up for each other is good. That’s the kind of hockey we’re going to run into down the road so it’s good to know everyone’s got each other’s backs.”

Bruins-Lightning: Sign me up for another matchup, this time in the In the end, it was 14 penalties for 48 minutes for the Lightning; 12 for 46 playoffs for the Bruins. Two hockey heavyweights throwing punches and messages with equal force, the Lightning out to remind the Bruins it was they who won the second-round playoff series two years ago by being By Tara Sullivan Globe Columnist the heavier team, the Bruins just as focused on channeling last year’s stirring run all the way to the Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final while the Updated March 7, 2020, 11:40 p.m. top-seeded Lightning sat home, ousted in the opening round.

“Two tough teams battling, knowing you might face each other in the The NHL playoffs haven’t started yet. playoffs. You just don’t want to give an inch out there,” losing goalie Tuukka Rask said. It only felt that way Saturday night at TD Garden. Rask was on the wrong end of those two early shorties, and though let With more fights than goals and more penalty minutes than shots, this down by a poor power play unit that lost spacing and left players open was a night to take you through a hockey time tunnel, to a bygone era despite their man advantage, neither he nor Cassidy looked to give him a when gloves were dropped and punches thrown with abandon, when pass. Even one save there would have kept the game more under tempers ran high and enmity roared, when players jumped to each control. Instead, it spiraled into a quasi-boxing match. other’s defense not with words, but with blows to offenders on the other team. “It sure seemed every single time something happened in front of the net there was as brawl going on,” Rask said. It’s pretty obvious the Bruins and Lightning don’t like each other much, but in their battle to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings, they And then he smiled, his eyes all but twinkling as he said, “Good clean can’t quit each other either, not with both barreling toward the playoffs fun.” thoroughly expecting to intersect at some point again.

“You want to set the stage for what could possibly come,” the Bruins’ Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 Sean Kuraly said. “Neither side wants to give an inch.”

Saturday night was a win for the Lightning, a 5-3 final secured by an empty-net clincher in the closing minute, a nice payback victory on visiting ice for a team that lost to the Bruins at home only five days before.

“I think it was more a response,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said when his postgame press conference opened with the notion this was a mere continuation of Tuesday night’s game. “They wanted to be better. I thought we were the better team up there, and they wanted to prove — listen, I think both of us feel we’re the best team in the Atlantic. We went up there and got two points and they wanted to get two to respond.

"The rivalry has developed now between the two of us and it was more intense matchups and I think that’s what you saw tonight. They were more ready to go off the puck drop than we were and that was the difference tonight.”

This was most certainly a night for the growing familiarity to breed growing contempt, and after Tampa struck early and hard with two shorthanded goals in the first 6:10 of the game, the gloves were off in both a literal and metaphorical way. With no Steven Stamkos on the Lightning on the defensive end, and to a lesser extent no Brandon Carlo on the Bruins one, the ice opened up for plenty of brawling.

Join us near the end of a particularly wild second period, when one fight that involved all 10 players on the ice (goaltenders not included), when one unwitting opponent’s stick was flung high into the air on the wrong end of Zdeno Chara’s flick of frustration, when helmets were skidding across the sheet and bodies were sprawling atop it, including that of the 6-foot-9-inch Chara, brought down when he was hit from behind.

It was a stretch that needed a video replay to confirm a Kuraly shot had indeed snuck across the line at 18:37, a goal that would give the Bruins new life toward the third period, closing their deficit to 3-2, a stretch that seemed to put the Bruins in position for some late home ice heroics.

It wasn’t to be, not with a Brad Marchand slashing penalty setting Alex Killorn up for a power play goal just 1:08 into the period.

“They are a really good hockey team, you spot them two goals, it’s tough,” Cassidy said. “We battled all night to get back in it and we never did. We got back in, but we never got the equalizer. It’s a big hill to climb.”

Still, there is value in the effort. There is value in seeing guys come to each other’s defenses, value in sending a message not just with two points in the standings, but with a few hits into the boards.

“Nobody is looking forward but if you did, you could see playing them again,” Charlie McAvoy said. “I think that’s what was going on out there tonight. We didn’t get the two points but everyone played hard, played physical. I think some of the stuff we’ve talked about is sticking together. 1180116 Boston Bruins * Tampa did all the damage with only two shots on net. When Rask finally stopped a shot — the third for Tampa — the sellout Garden crowd gave him a mock cheer.

Observations from the Bruins-Lightning slugfest * The Bolts appeared to have the win put away when Cedric Paquette knocked home the 3-0 lead with only 6:50 gone in the second. The Bruins weren’t shorthanded this time, but they looked it, because By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff Paquette was left standing alone at the top of the crease when both Boston blueliners (Torey Krug-John Moore) went behind the net after Updated March 7, 2020, 9:50 p.m. puck carrier Zach Bogosian. Unprotected, Paquette snapped one under the cross bar off of Bogosian’s perfect feed.

The Bruins Saturday night saw their winning streak snapped at four games, but their 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning turned out to be Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 one of the season’s most entertaining nights of hockey this season.

Sparked by a pair of shorthanded goals 62 seconds apart in the first period, the Lightning held on for a 5-3 victory over the Bruins, narrowing Boston’s lead over the Bolts to 7 points in the Atlantic Division.

The Bruins never pulled even after Tampa’s opening two goals, but the sellout crowd at TD Garden was entertained by an array of scraps, crosschecks, pigpiles, scrums, and fights the likes of which are rarely seen in today’s sanitized NHL.

The loss prevented the Bruins from becoming the first team this year to collect 100 points in the standings. They still own the top spot in the overall standings with a record of 43-14-12.

Tuukka Rask (25-8-6) suffered the loss in the Boston net. Charlie McAvoy, Sean Kuraly, and David Pastrnak (No. 48) scored for the Bruins.

Alex Killorn boosted the Bolts to a 4-2 lead early in the third. Pastrnak pulled the Bruins again within a goal , but Nikita Kucherov closed it with an empty netter with 1:02 remaining in regulation.

The Bruins get back to work Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the Flyers have staged a second-half surge that will send them into the postseason as one of the favorites to win the Cup.

Observations from the game:

* The night turned crazy late in the second period, just seconds after the officiating crew failed to spot the puck crossing the goal line for what was the second Boston goal.

* It was Sean Kuraly who eventually was credited with the strike, at 18:37, but it was the following 17 seconds that brought the fireworks — touched off when the rabblerousing Anthony Cirelli cracked a crosscheck across the back of Boston captain Zdeno Chara.

* Chara, who needed a few seconds to get up from the belt, looked more disappointed than angry. The hit to his back came as he was about to enter into a tussle with Patrick Maroon. Exhausted at the end of a long shift, Big Z was an easy mark, and * Eventually, when the officials sorted out the center ice fisticuffs, Kuraly was credited with his sixth goal of the season. What had been a 3-0 Bolts lead was down to 3-2.

* Earlier, it was Charlie McAvoy who stopped the Bolts from running away with it, putting one on the board at 14:50 of the second to cut the Tampa lead to 3-1.

* Trailing Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk into the offensive zone, McAvoy skated into a silken feed from Coyle and snapped it by goalie Andrei Vasilevsky. It was the 20th shot of the night the Bruins landed on net, and finally they had one on the board. For McAvoy, who went the first half of the season without a goal, it was his fifth strike in the last 16 games.

* The Bruins had the better of the play in the early going, but the Lighting had the better of the scoreboard, connecting twice across 62 seconds while shorthanded.

* Only seven seconds after Bolts newcomer Barclay Goodrow was whistled off for elbowing Ondrej Kase, it was Cirelli who nailed in the 1-0 lead, snapping a wrister by Tuukka Rask on the short side to polish off a 2-on-1 break. Nice play by the Bolts, who raced directly up ice with the puck after a faceoff in their own end.

* With Goodrow still in the box, Mikhail Sergachev bumped it up to 2-0 at 6:10, set up low in the slot off a feed from Yanni Gourde. 1180117 Boston Bruins good year for him and a great playoff run so we’re going to try to stick to as close as that one until it gets proven wrong.”

Despite the strange chorus of Boston doubters who remain permanently Tuukka Rask benefits greatly from a modified workload. So do the Bruins poised to call for Rask’s ouster, the ones who might have beseeched Cassidy to pull Rask after a sloppy start in the opening playoff round against Toronto, the coach said he never once considered it last year, By Tara Sullivan Globe Columnist not even to give Halak a shot during that dominant stretch against Carolina and Columbus. Updated March 7, 2020, 6:35 p.m. “At the end of the day, Tuukka is clearly our No. 1,” Cassidy said. “Jaro

has acted like I’ve said before as our 1B, [so they’re] 1A and 1B. How it With a hockey heavyweight in town Saturday night, Bruce Cassidy knew shakes out in the playoffs, unless something happens, Tuukka will be in Tuukka Rask would get his 40th start in net, a nod to the fact that a there for Game 1. If there was a reason to make a switch I would hope familiar conference powerhouse awaited the Bruins across the ice. While Jaro would be ready to go and relish the opportunity.” fellow Boston goaltender Jaroslav Halak anchored an overtime victory From here to the end of the regular-season finish line, Rask will continue over the Panthers on Thursday night, it was Rask who drew the his prep for the playoffs, but with the luxury of Halak behind him, the assignment against defending President’s Trophy winner Tampa Bay in Bruins have devised an enviable formula to build confidence should the two games sandwiched around that one. either goalie be needed. As the playoffs round squarely into view, Rask’s ice time is ramping up in “Their relationship from where I see it is excellent. I’ve never heard a bad concert with the anticipation for another potential Stanley Cup run for a word between them, either in the locker room or seeing it with my own Bruins team that went into Saturday’s contest a game up on Tampa for eyes. I think they’re both veteran goalies who understand what’s at stake the most wins in the NHL. And as all hockey eyes turn toward the so that’s part of the reason,” Cassidy said. tournament, it sure seems Rask is stepping up his game, too. Already in the midst of one of his best statistical seasons and quite appropriately included on any respectable Vezina Trophy watch list, Rask held off the Lightning at Amalie Arena earlier this week, using one impressive Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 breakaway stop along the way to do it, and also shut out the Islanders last weekend at Nassau Coliseum in the game prior to that.

“I like where he’s at,” Cassidy said Saturday following the team’s morning skate. “We’re a little ways away [from the playoffs] but so far so good.”

So far so great.

Rask, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on Tuesday, continues to benefit from the net-sharing system the Bruins designed alongside Halak, a formula that defers to both analytics and common sense, that has seen Rask move from a career-high 70 starts in 2014-15 (the year after he won his only Vezina) to 64 the following year and then 65, 54, and 46 in each ensuing season. On track for a number similar to last year’s now, Rask has made every start count.

His 25 victories heading into Saturday night were seventh among league leaders (led by Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy’s 34) but his 39 starts were tied for 15th. Among goalies with at least 25 wins, Rask’s 2.13 goals against average and his .928 save percentage lead the way.

“His numbers speak for themselves,” Cassidy said. “He’s on his game, he’s engaged in the game, composed, all those things. Puck play, he’s out there, I always look at that to see if he’s focused on the game. He’s had long stretches where he hasn’t had a lot of work and he’s responded well with saves, responded well with the flurries when he needs to be conditioned to do that.”

Give the Bruins credit for devising the work-sharing plan, and give both Rask and Halak credit for making it work. With different personalities (Halak can be intense while Rask is more laid-back and outgoing) they share one obvious goal: Do what is best for the Bruins, so that a playoff run that fell one agonizing game short of a championship trophy last year can be reenacted this year (with a different outcome of course).

“It’s been great the last two years having Jaro and Tuuks both, we feel very comfortable with and play well in front of and we have the confidence in them,” veteran center Patrice Bergeron said. “I think Tuuks has been tremendous all year and lately he’s been getting better, really poised and making the hard saves but also the easy saves for us. He keeps his composure. Yeah, it’s been great to have both.”

As Cassidy sees it, it’s about pushing to make each other better, but supporting each other to make the Bruins better. Maybe the numbers will hurt Rask when it comes to those who vote for the top goalie prize. Maybe he loses credit with some for deferring so many starts to Halak. But the numbers absolutely help the Bruins in their playoff push, as evidenced by last year’s run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup, a run anchored by a stellar Rask.

“We told him we wanted less starts. The analytics started dictating that,” Cassidy said. “We thought he’d perform better if we got him out of that 60 number to the 50 number and now it’s more like high 40s. What’s the best balance? We use last year as a barometer. I thought it was a pretty 1180118 Boston Bruins Rene Fasel, long-time president of the IIHF, last week was adamant that IIHF world tournaments would not be held as “ghost games’’ — the term for staging games in arenas with the stands empty.

NHL closing dressing rooms to media amid coronavirus concerns? It was Fasel and other IIHF officials could decide by next Sunday if they intend business as usual Saturday to keep May 8 as the planned start of the tournament.

If IIHF officials push the date to later in May, it would enable more NHL By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff players to participate, in theory, because more playoff teams are eliminated from Stanley Cup as the month progresses. Updated March 7, 2020, 2:06 p.m. Amid the backdrop of European countries trying to figure out life in the time of coronavirus, the Bruins still have plans to fly to Mannheim, Germany, in late September to finish their training camp, and then fly to The Bruins and Lightning squared off at the Garden Saturday night with Prague, Czechia, to open their regular –season opener in a matchup no change in protocol around media access to their respective dressing against the Predators. rooms, despite widespread reports that the NHL decided to restrict access severely in light of burgeoning coronavirus concerns.

Elliotte Friedman, the highly-regarded reporter/commentator for Hockey Boston Globe LOADED: 03.08.2020 Night in Canada, tweeted early Saturday afternoon that the league decided to prohibit media members from entering the rooms, be it for pre- or postgame interviews.

“Starting today,” he wrote, “@NHL will close dressing rooms to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (@CDCgov) in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB + MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will be conducted in formal press conference area.”

A Bruins spokesperson late in the afternoon said the club had been in contact with league headquarters, but the league had not instituted any change in media protocols.

It was also business as usual for the media at the club’s late-morning workout at their Brighton practice facility.

“We’re considering every conceivable option that may be because what’s happening is evolving not only on a day-to-day basis in terms of us staying on top of developments, but it’s almost hour to hour,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We are considering — no formal announcement.

“Some clubs may be focusing on this on their own, but as you all know the locker room is a very intimate environment and players are not always fully clothed and it may be best to have media accessibility at a podium for everybody’s health and safety, not just the players’ but [the media’s].”

Coach Bruce Cassidy addressed the print, digital and electronic reporters in a conference room after the workout, as is his custom, and then the some two dozen media members filed into the dressing room for interviews, both in groups and one-on-one settings, with a handful of players.

The topic of possibly restricting access never came up during the late- morning media scrums, held approximately an hour before the Twitter erupted with alleged changes in policy.

Meanwhile, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) continued to trim events, deciding Saturday to scrap the women’s world championships slated for March 31-April 10 in Nova Scotia (rinks in Halifax and Truro).

The men’s world championship, to be played in Switzerland May 8-24, remains on the books, although it remains at risk to be scrubbed if countries continue to struggle to get the virus under control

The Swiss government on Feb. 29 instituted a nation-wide ban on crowds of 1,000 or more, which quickly led the country’s two pro hockey leagues on Monday to postpone the start of its playoff rounds for at least two weeks, to March 15.

Officials of the Swiss League and the National League are expected to convene mid-week to determine whether to go forward with the playoffs or push the starting date(s) beyond the March 15. Another option, though unlikely, would be to not hold the playoffs.

Peter Laviolette, the Massachusetts-born defenseman who coached the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup title, recently was named coach of the USA men’s team slated to compete in the world championship in May. Laviolette was fired by the Nashville Predators as their bench boss Feb. 26. 1180119 Boston Bruins Charlie McAvoy netted his fifth goal of the season beating Andrei Vasilevskiy glove-side off a pass from Charlie Coyle to cut the Lightning lead to two.

Bruins fall to Lightning in fight-filled affair Kuraly poked the puck past Vasilevskiy in a hectic sequence around the net with 1:23 left in the second, but it wasn’t called a good goal to close the deficit to one until a review. By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald It’s what happened in between the goal crossing the line and being called PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 9:47 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at a good goal where chaos broke out. 10:55 p.m. Every skater on the ice found a dance partner — including Kuraly, who got a 10-minute misconduct before his goal was even announced — in an out-of-control, all-out melee at center ice. Everyone was hockey-fighting and the goals came as fast as Lightning. All the penalties ended with a Bruins power play, diluted by a late An electric atmosphere was just the start in one of the more energetic Marchand slashing call, which gave the Lightning their fourth goal early in games of the season, as the Bruins dropped a 5-3 game to the Lightning the third. Alex Killorn deflected a Sergachev shot to go ahead 4-2. in a fight-filled Saturday night at TD Garden in which the teams combined for 94 penalty minutes. After a bad Nikita Kucherov cross-checking penalty, the Bruins struck to make it a one-goal lead again. On their fifth power play of the night, “I thought we were the better team (in Tampa),” said Bruins head coach David Pastrnak tallied his 48th goal of the season on a one-timer to make Bruce Cassidy. “I think both of us feel we’re the best team in the Atlantic. it 4-3 just 6:37 into the third. So we went there and got the two points. … You can feel the rivalry developing as a result of that and the intensity was definitely there That didn’t deter the fighting; Patrice Bergeron took a late hit from tonight. It’s getting amped up.” Mitchell Stephens with 11:47 left in the third and that sparked the Bruins into action, and another brawl, which led to another Lightning power play. Tampa Bay moved back to within seven points of the Bruins in the Atlantic, splitting the home-and-home this week after the Bruins won in The Bruins pulled Rask with just under two minutes left and the Lightning Tampa on Tuesday night. sealed it with an empty-netter from Kucherov with 1:02 left.

“Sometimes games get this way,” said Brad Marchand. “They can be fun “There’s value in sticking up for each other, there’s value in responding, to be part of. Guys did a good job sticking up for themselves and each of course there is,” said Cassidy. “Some nights it’s more important than other. It’s two points you’d like. You move on to the next one.” the outcome. Not going to say one or the other, but we want to respond.”

Trailing by two late in the second, Marchand was jumped in the first of several brawls between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bruins then closed the gap to one when Sean Kuraly found the net Boston Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 ahead of the B’s largest donnybrook of the season, a goal he didn’t get to celebrate because he was tossed for fighting before officials ruled his goal a good goal.

“Want to set the stage for what possibly be to come, two competitive teams who don’t want to give much,” said Kuraly.

The Bruins power play put them in a hole right off the bat, though.

The Bruins are used to scoring quick into their man advantage, but not the other way around; six seconds into the power play, Anthony Cirelli beat Tuukka Rask on Tampa’s first shot of the game for a 1-0 lead.

Then it got worse. Instead of rebounding with a power-play marker, the Lightning struck twice.

With 6:10 left in the first, Mikhail Sergachev rifled in his 10th goal of the season from the slot after the Bruins couldn’t maintain possession and carry the puck out of their defensive end.

“Lack of urgency from our top (power-play) group,” said Cassidy. “Uncharacteristic but it’s crept into our game. It’ll be good for us to get our attention, it’s crept into practice, it’s crept into our execution and urgency in the past probably month. A reset for us, hopefully.”

Chris Wagner and Barclay Goodrow tried to rumble in the first but were sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. That just delayed the inevitable — they brawled as soon as they stepped out of the box.

If it provided a spark for the Bruins, the results didn’t show as they went to the room after one period down 2-0, and the Lightning expanded their lead shortly into the second.

The Bruins never really had control in the opening half of the second, and it burned them. Cedric Paquette buried a shot in front for the 3-0 lead off a pass from Zach Bogosian behind the net.

That didn’t stop the shenanigans.

Marchand was piled on by four Lightning skaters, and a mini-brawl resulted. But only Marchand and Cirelli went to the box with matching roughing minors.

With 5:10 left in the second and each team down a man on the ice, the Bruins made it a ballgame. 1180120 Boston Bruins

Bruins notebook: John Moore gets a chance again; for now

By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 6:03 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 6:04 p.m.

There’s nothing good about missing Brandon Carlo from the lineup, but for John Moore, it’s a chance.

A chance he’s only gotten 22 chances this season, not what you expect from a player with a $2.75 million cap hit, either, but for one reason or another Moore’s time with the Bruins has been up and down.

They certainly have confidence he’ll get the job done now when they need him.

“He’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever been around,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “Would rather be in the lineup than not play, obviously, but he respects our decision and we appreciate that as a staff. Now he gets his opportunity and I’m sure part of him, depending on the length of the injury, wants to be able to stay in the lineup.”

Moore has played just 83 regular season games with the Bruins since joining before last season. He’s primarily been paired on the bottom pairing — mostly with Matt Grzelcyk — but was bumped earlier this season by Connor Clifton and now the play of Jeremy Lauzon, after Moore returned from offseason shoulder surgery.

That hard work Cassidy referenced from Moore while he was out of the lineup accumulates now.

“When I’m not in the lineup, it is my job still. … I’m not rushing home to watch daytime TV,” said Moore. “I do really push myself in the gym. I don’t have to worry about being sore for a game. I can stay out until the trainers come out and tell me they want to go home.”

Moore’s been leaped over by a couple of younger defensemen, and when Carlo gets healthy, Moore is likely the one out of the lineup once again.

But paired with Torey Krug on Saturday night in a heavyweight battle with the Lightning, what better stage to prove he deserves to keep getting looks?

“I love hockey and I love competing, especially with this group,” said Moore. “I’ve done everything I can to put myself in a position for success and now it’s just the fun part of going out and playing.”

Bjork sits again

For the third time in four games, Anders Bjork is the odd forward out.

That’s not totally because he’s not in their plans, but the opposite; Cassidy still wants Bjork to observe and get better with his game before being thrown into the intensity of the postseason.

“It’s just being a little stronger overall,” Cassidy said. “I thought the Florida game he got knocked around early on. Got better as it went along. And that’s what you’re gonna see, more determined men style of play in the playoffs.”

Without Bjork, the Bruins moved Jake DeBrusk to the right side of Charlie Coyle on Saturday night against the Lightning.

Kuhlman assigned

Karson Kuhlman hasn’t seen the ice much since the Bruins added Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase, and Saturday the team assigned the right winger to Providence.

They also activated defenseman Connor Clifton from injured reserve. With Carlo on the mend and Moore in the lineup, Clifton serves as the team’s seventh defenseman.

Boston Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180121 Boston Bruins season early. And right now, Steven Stamkos (core muscle surgery) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season and possibly some of the first round. They’ve also been without Ryan McDonagh (lower body) for Loss of Brando Carlo could be a big one the last month.

All of which goes to show you that in this sport, more than any other, there are no sure things. When it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs, it is By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald a game of survival more than anything else. And that game has just now begun for he B’s. PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 3:49 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. Maybe this is just a blip for Carlo, and he’ll only miss a game or two. That’s certainly the hope here, both for the player and fine, young man

that Carlo is. But if this drags on for Carlo, it would be a serious bend in Well, things were going a little too smoothly for the Bruins, weren’t they? the tracks for a team that had been picking up some serious speed.

The Bruins were playing the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night at the Garden, the last meeting of the regular season between the two Boston Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 presumptive NHL second-round playoff opponents and they were doing so — unsurprisingly — without the services of Brandon Carlo. Now they may find out what life has been like for some of the other Eastern Conference contenders.

For the record, the B’s were still terming the injury Carlo suffered on Thursday in Florida as an “upper body injury” and not a concussion, but there’s no mystery how the reliable defenseman got hurt — an Evgenii Dadonov elbow straight to the kisser. And we know how these can play out. Carlo could be back after a brief respite, or they could stretch out. With the playoffs just a month away, the B’s coaching staff and management have all fingers and toes crossed that it’s not the latter.

Carlo, who suffered a concussion in the final game of his rookie season three years ago that cost him a playoff appearance, has been a rock for the B’s. He may not have been their best all-around defenseman, but he’s been the most consistent in what he does. He’s not only grown into a terrific shutdown player who is always on the ice to close out a game, but Carlo is also developing some offensive-end instincts — not so much as a flashy playmaker or scorer but as a player who can keep plays alive in the O-zone along the wall with his long reach and smarts.

Carlo did not skate Saturday, though coach Bruce Cassidy said “he’s certainly feeling better.” But the coach knows how these situations can play out, too, and is hoping for the best. They do have some enviable depth. First man up is John Moore, who has played three games since Jan. 19 and is a left-handed D-man filling in for the righty Carlo.

“We’ve got lots of good players we can plug in there. We’d rather have Brandon healthy and ready to go. I think he’s one of the most underrated defensemen in the National Hockey League when it comes to defending, penalty kill, shutdown-type of role and he’s growing his offensive game so we’ll miss him,” said Cassidy. “Johnny Moore will go in (Saturday) and he’ll play his offside, which will be a challenge for him. And there’s (Connor Clifton) who we could get back in there as well, who is a right shot, but Johnny’s played more recently (Moore’s most recent game was Feb. 12). That’s the route we’re going to go (Saturday) and if it lingers, well, we’ve got to look at the next option, which could be Cliffy. Then I’d be speculating down the road but obviously Providence, they’ve won (nine) in a row so obviously they’re getting some good play down there. But right now, I think we have good depth in that area.”

For however long it lasts, the B’s are in suck-it-up mode.

While Moore took Carlo’s spot in the lineup next to Torey Krug, it would not be a shock to see surging rookie Jeremy Lauzon see more time in late-game, shut-down situations.

“If they give me more situations to help the loss of Carlo, I’m going to be ready. I think I’ve shown that I can play against anybody in this league and I just want to be able to help the team win,” said Lauzon.

Up until now, the B’s have been very fortunate with regard to injuries. They missed Patrice Bergeron for nine games earlier in the season, Krug has missed eight and David Krejci has missed eight as well throughout the season. But the B’s have managed to avoid long-term injuries to any of their core players who log big minutes.

Some of the contenders in the Eastern Conference have not been so lucky. The Penguins missed Sidney Crosby for two months. The Blue Jackets, a possible first round opponent for the B’s, have thus far survived (barely) a bevy of injuries, the most devastating of which has been to Seth Jones, currently out with a broken ankle. And Saturday’s opponent, the Lightning, are no strangers to the ill-timed injury. Last year, a late season concussion to Victor Hedman helped derail their dream 1180122 Boston Bruins first year I worried a lot more before games and that kept me up at night but once you gain some experience that settles you down.”

Late in the season, rest and sleep become even more important, and NHL Sunday Notes: Don’t sleep on importance of rest finding time to sneak a nap — or even just relax — can be a difficult balance.

By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald It’s one of those things that comes with experience.

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at “It’s really rest, and limiting time you give and taking breaks,” said Sean 6:50 p.m. Kuraly. “Sometimes it’s like, you can’t go out to dinner tonight because you need a break. Over the years you learn how to do that better.”

When Zboril started having sleeping problems he didn’t know there was Hockey playoffs are a grind — games are grueling, extra-overtime, max- anything he could do about it. But support from his teammates and from effort affairs. the organization got him back into a position to succeed.

The end of the regular season doesn’t carry that same energy, but it is Now well-rested and ready for the end of the season, he knows the the time of year almost every skater on the ice is battling something. importance of a good night’s sleep. Most of it is physical, but with 60-something games under the belt and a few more to go before the most intense postseason in sports, the mental “Just know you’re not alone in that,” said Zboril. “A lot of people and a lot grind can do just as much. of players go through the same thing. Be open up about it and speak up, because if he doesn’t speak up no one’s going to know what’s going on, It’s especially difficult to push through — mentally and physically — no one’s going to be able to help.” without sleep. The Metropolitan Division has become exciting to watch down the “I started having some problems sleeping,” said Jakub Zboril, a Bruins stretch. prospect playing in Providence. “I talked to (veteran players) and even reached out to the psychologist in Boston, and it helped me a lot.” Not only have the Capitals dealt with a dramatic dip from the top — but the team they’re contending with for first in the division isn’t even the Zboril, 23, had a cup of coffee with the Bruins last season but has spent Penguins, who are slumping in their own right, but instead the resurgent all of this year with Providence, manning the blue line as one of the AHL Philadelphia Flyers. club’s top defenders in his third year of pro hockey. The Flyers had won eight in a row entering Saturday night’s home game Ask anyone in the NHL, too, and not being able to sleep is going to hurt against the Sabres and tied the Capitals atop the division. And, they’re when trying to get back onto the ice. on tap as one of the Bruins’ opponents next week.

“I think you want to be conscious of sleep, that’s pretty important,” said Some of the thinking in the past week was the Flyers would be a Matt Grzelcyk. “When you have time off to wind down and when it’s time dangerous wild card team to have to deal with early, but the way they’re to play again you have enough energy.” playing, they might end up with home ice in the first two rounds and the Capitals might find themselves on the road. Zboril’s case was more than just nighttime anxiety; he wasn’t able to get a wink of sleep until the early morning, and by the time he closed his If the Rangers are going out, at least it’s not with a whimper; Thursday eyes it seemed like it was time to get back to the rink. night was an indicator of that.

Early this season, that became a struggle. Mika Zibanejad scored five times to will the Rangers past the Capitals at Madison Square Garden in a display of the Capitals’ fall from grace, but “I would go to bed at 11 and not be able to fall asleep until maybe 4 in the also New York not dropping out of the fight just yet. morning,” he said. “Sleep three a hours a night then come to the locker room and have to practice. I’m in a better place, I didn’t mind not sleeping The Rangers awoke Saturday morning just two points out of a wild card one day but when it became two or three nights in a row you can actually in a race that includes the Islanders, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Panthers, feel your mood decreasing and you’re not up for anything and you have and the suddenly slumping Penguins. to come to the locker room not feeling great and have to perform. It was kind of tough.” It might be too little too late for the Rangers but at least they’re making it a race. Some veteran players in Providence, like Paul Carey and Alex Petrovic, helped Zboril get back on track, and he worked with the staff in Boston to find solutions that worked for him. Boston Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 Heading into the stretch run of the AHL season before the playoffs, Zboril feels like he has a routine down to get some shuteye.

It involves some magic.

“I reached out to the guy in Boston and he told me of medications and I tried that, started reading before bed to ease my brain,” said Zboril. “I just like to read, fantasy books. Harry Potter right now, it’s great, I’ve seen all the movies. I always wondered what it was going to be like in the books because the movies don’t have every single detail so I’m glad I bought every single book.”

It’s not a unique problem; while not everyone is struggling to get sleep on a nightly basis, most games are at night, and players get home at late hours after what most people would consider a normal bedtime.

Practices are typically in the morning, so there’s not a lot of time before players have to drag their bodies back on the ice, regardless of bumps and bruises the night before. Without proper rest in between, it’s tough to get back out there.

For younger players especially, it can be a struggle to turn down the adrenaline.

“I have a tough time after games, it can be really hard,” said Grzelcyk. “Just to wind down in general. I think for me I just want to, whenever I can, grab an hour or so, a nap instead of battling that. I think maybe my 1180123 Boston Bruins

Bruins pregame notes: B’s can shock away Lightning

By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald

March 7, 2020 at 12:39 p.m.

A win tonight and the Bruins likely have the Atlantic all but wrapped up.

Their win in Tampa Bay on Tuesday night boosted the Bruins to a nine- point lead in the division after the Lightning made it a race in the middle third of the season.

A loss, and suddenly a seven-point deficit makes it still a competition; but the Bruins could bury their divisional rival now, and put their focus on resting up for the postseason.

Tuesday’s game was far from easy; the Bruins went ahead 1-0, but easily could have ended up in a tie if not for a Lightning goal being called back for offsides. Instead, the Bruins built upon their lead and held on at the end to take the win.

There’s no doubt the Lightning want not only revenge tonight, but they have a different sense of desperation to get back into the divisional race. They still have a 10-point lead on Toronto for home ice in the first round, so they’re not in much danger of slipping, but first in the division can mean so much more.

However you slice it, it’s another heavyweight bout.

Brandon Carlo didn’t skate ahead of the game after he took an elbow on Thursday night, so he’s out against the Lightning. John Moore slid in to work on the right of Torey Krug.

“Well we’ve got lots of good players we can plug in there,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “We’d rather have Brandon healthy and ready to go. I think he’s one of the most underrated defenseman in the NHL when it comes to defending, penalty kill, shutdown type of role. Growing his offensive game, so we’ll miss him.”

Jake DeBrusk moves to the right side of Charlie Coyle with Sean Kuraly on the left wing of that line, while Anders Bjork sits out his third of the last four games.

Tuukka Rask starts in net after getting the win in Tampa on Tuesday.

The Lightning (42-20-5) are nine points behind the Bruins following their loss to the B’s in Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. While the Bruins toppled the Panthers two nights later, the Lightning also picked up a win in Montreal.

Tampa Bay has scored the second most goals in the league with 233, two behind the Maple Leafs. Their strength isn’t only putting the puck in the net, though; the 185 goals allowed are the eighth fewest in the NHL.

Predictably the Lightning power play is pretty good at sixth in the league with a 23.2 percentage. Their penalty kill also ranks ninth. The Lightning lead the league with an 11.2 shooting percentage and are ninth with a .910 save percentage as a team.

Steven Stamkos is out until at least the second round of the postseason after core muscle surgery, and he was second on the team with 66 points. Nikita Kucherov leads the way with 82, topping the team with 32 goals. Defenseman Victor Hedman is second on the team with 44 assists.

Boston Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180124 Boston Bruins rivalry here against a good hockey team and a team that plays the right way. They play tough, and they like to stick up for their teammates."

Lightning's trade deadline moves make them better-equipped to beat Bruins in playoffs Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020

By Nick Goss

March 07, 2020 10:36 PM

BOSTON -- The Tampa Bay Lightning needed to get tougher to make a deep run in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the front office addressed that need with two impactful moves before last month's NHL trade deadline.

The Lightning acquired forward Blake Coleman from the New Jersey Devils and forward Barclay Goodrow from the San Jose Sharks to add a little more truculence and offensive skill to their forward group. Both trades involved Tampa Bay giving up a first-round draft pick, but for a team built to win championships right now, the steep price was more than worth it.

Both players threw their weight around in Saturday night's showdown against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, where the Lightning prevailed with a 5-3 win in a game that featured a line brawl amid a playoff-type atmosphere. Coleman had three shots on goal, tallied 10 penalty minutes and was credited with three hits. Goodrow tallied 11 penalty minutes, fought B's forward Chris Wagner in the first period and spent a little time on the penalty kill.

Lightning forward Alex Killorn said the players the team acquired at the trade deadline all "have been a huge help for us so far," and it's easy to see how.

The additions of Coleman and Goodrow make the Lightning better equipped to beat the Bruins in a seven-game playoff series, which, if the current standings hold, would happen in the second round. One of the criticisms of the Lightning over the last few years has been they're not built to withstand the physicality of playoff hockey. Tampa Bay has an elite offense with some of the game's most skilled forwards, most notably Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. This impressive collection of high- end scoring talent is fun to watch, but it hasn't been enough to win a championship.

The Lightning reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2015, but have not been back since despite enjoying plenty of regular season success. Last season's first-round sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets after winning the Presidents' Trophy was an embarrassment for the entire franchise and exposed a lack of physical and mental toughness.

This Lightning team, however, has shown an ability and willingness to play the kind of heavy game we often see in the playoffs, and doing it against a team like the Bruins on Saturday night made for compelling evidence of Tampa Bay's transformation.

"Certainly it's not the Tampa team I played in the past," Lightning forward Pat Maroon said. "I'm fortunate to play with such a good team. We have a lot of offensive power here, a lot of good offensive guys, but I think to bring in some rugged guys that play kind of a different style, brings a different feel to the locker room, certainly. And it brings a different feel to how you're supposed to play every night because some guys aren't going to be playing the east-west game -- a lot of these guys, Coleman and (Goodrow), myself, just playing that north-south game that grinds teams down low and wears the opposition down, and create that space for the top lines and let them go to work and see if they can get one. We have to find ways to keep balancing that and keep grinding."

The Lightning made a statement Saturday that they won't be pushed around by the Bruins, and that if Boston wants to play a physical style of hockey, Tampa Bay is more than up for the challenge. This rivalry has been steadily growing in intensity throughout the season, and the two exciting matchups this week (both teams earned a road win) have set the stage for what could be an exciting playoff series in May.

"I feel like we're getting a little bad blood right now. I think we're starting to stir the pot here a little bit, which is fun," Maroon said of the Bruins- Lightning rivalry. "Going into meaningful games down the stretch here. Boston is the team -- what they accomplished last year, and what they're accomplishing this year, that's the team to beat. It's good to start a little 1180125 Boston Bruins

Bruins-Lightning Talking Points: B's power play struggles continue vs. Lightning

By Joe Haggerty

March 07, 2020 11:05 PM

GOLD STAR: Andrei Vasilevskiy showed why he could be an ace in the hole for the Tampa Bay Lightning should these two teams meet up in the playoffs. The Lightning goaltender stopped 35-of-38 shots in the win for Tampa and clearly outplayed Tuukka Rask in the battle of former Vezina Trophy winners duking it out on the ice.

It was Vasilevskiy that stopped all 14 shots that he faced in the first period while Rask let in a couple of shorthanded scores on the same power play, and that led to the B’s losing by a 2-0 score while outshooting Tampa Bay by a 14-5 margin in the first period.

Fast-forward to the third period and the Bruins were trailing just 4-3 while pushing to tie up the game, and it was Vasilevskiy that made a fantastic leg pad save on David Pastrnak after he broke in all alone on a breakaway attempt. It was the save of the game and preceded Tampa scoring two more goals on their way to the big win over the Bruins.

BLACK EYE: It was not a great night for Brad Marchand. He finished with an assist and was in the middle of a great deal that was happening on the ice, but he was also a rough minus-4 at the end of it all.

Making matters worse the Bruins agitator also took a slashing call after the period was over in the second when he decided to go in for one extra shot on Kevin Shattenkirk before the players exited for the dressing rooms. Marchand tried to plead his case as the intermission started, but his penalty wiped out a Bruins power while setting a power play goal for the Lightning at the start of the third period.

It was a key sequence in the game that ultimately led to the Bruins losing the two points. Nobody on the B’s was really bad in a fun, rough playoff- style game, but it wasn’t a good night for Marchand either.

TURNING POINT: The Bruins nearly clawed all the way back, but the game was essentially lost after the Bruins allowed two different shorthanded goals on the same power play possession in the first period.

Anthony Cirelli scored on a rush up the left-handed wing on a shot that shouldn’t have made it past Tuukka Rask and then Mikhail Sergachev scored 62 seconds later to completely implode Boston’s power play. It gave the Lightning a 2-0 lead after a period where they were outshot 14- 5 and really handed the B’s power play unit a big slice of humble pie after a really inconsistent stretch lately.

Bruce Cassidy talked postgame about bad habits creeping into the team’s power play lately and tonight may give him the hammer needed to finally make some changes.

HONORABLE MENTION: Sean Kuraly has not had a great season by any stretch of the imagination, but he was very good in a big game against the Lightning. Kuraly scored a gritty playoff-style goal in the second period when he pushed a loose puck rebound of a Charlie McAvoy shot past Andrei Vasilevskiy, and finished as one of the few plus players for the Bruins in 12:48 of ice time.

Kuraly also had five shots on net and a couple of hits in a physical game where he earned a 10-minute misconduct for tackling Anthony Cirelli after he cross-checked Zdeno Chara in the back as he was engaged with another player. Kuraly got the job done in terms of production and physicality for the Bruins and can be a real difference-making force when he plays this way.

BY THE NUMBERS: 94 – the number of combined penalty minutes for both sides as all hell broke loose in the second period with several line brawls breaking out between players on both the Bruins and Lightning. That is something you don’t see often in this kinder, gentler NHL these days.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180126 Boston Bruins

Pat Maroon details altercation with Bruins' Zdeno Chara that sparked line brawl

By Nick Goss

March 07, 2020 10:23 PM

BOSTON -- With the level of physicality the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning showed in the second period of Saturday night's game at TD Garden, it was only a matter of time before some sort of brawl erupted.

And that's precisely what happened with less than two minutes remaining in the frame.

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After a chaotic Bruins power play that ultimately resulted in a goal -- it was originally called no-goal on the ice but replay overturned it -- Boston captain Zdeno Chara skated toward his team's bench to get a much- needed break following a lengthy and busy shift. Before he could get to the bench, Lightning forward Pat Maroon, who's no stranger to fisticuffs, hit Chara with his stick. Chara understandably took exception to Maroon's actions and a line brawl quickly followed.

Maroon explained his side of the altercation with Chara after the Lightning escaped TD Garden with a 5-3 win.

"The look on (Chara's) face there, I kinda got nervous there," Maroon said. "No, I was just sticking up for (Mikhail Sergachev) there for when he was in the corner. Just trying to do my job. I'm here to protect my teammates anyway I can, stick up for them, and maybe give them a spark or boost. Chara's a well-respected player in this league. I have the utmost respect for Chara. The guy is (42) years old and still playing the game he loves and fighting people. It takes a lot of courage, and he does it. He gave me one, and I was just sticking up for my teammates."

The type of high-intensity, ultra-physical hockey we saw Saturday night is great for the fans, and for players like Maroon whose job it is to set an aggressive tone.

"I love it, it suits my kinda game," Maroon said. "It's big-body hockey. It's fun to play in these kinds of games, especially down the stretch when you're playing meaningful games and you're playing a heck of a team over there that plays the right way, plays a heavy game. I thought everyone in this locker room did a really good job manning up tonight, being physical, sticking up for your teammates, and that's playoff hockey right there."

Speaking of playoff hockey, it sure would be nice to potentially see seven more games of this rivalry in May. If the current Atlantic Division standings hold entering the playoffs, the Bruins and Lightning would square off in the second round, assuming each team took care of business in the opening round.

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NHL Highlights: Bruins come up short in wild one vs. Lightning, 5-3

By Justin Leger

March 07, 2020 9:47 PM

IN BRIEF: The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning faced off in one of the most entertaining games of the season on Saturday night as tempers flared and both teams racked up plenty of penalty minutes. Charlie McAvoy, Sean Kuraly, and David Pastrnak each notched goals for the B's, but they ultimately came up just short vs. their Eastern Conference rival.

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Watch Bruins' Chris Wagner trade punches with Barclay Goodrow in spirited fight

By Nick Goss

March 07, 2020 7:27 PM

BOSTON -- The TD Garden crowd was a little quiet early in the first period of Saturday night's game after the Tampa Bay Lightning scored two shorthanded goals, but Boston Bruins forward Chris Wagner found a way to get the home fans energized.

Wagner and Lightning forward Barclay Goodrow wanted to fight almost nine minutes into the game but the referees separated the two before any action started. Wagner had delivered a big hit on Bolts defenseman Mikhail Sergachev earlier in the shift. Goodrow and Wagner were sent to the penalty box for matching unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalties, but soon after exiting the sin bin, they dropped their gloves for an entertaining bout.

Wagner certainly got the better of Goodrow in that exchange. This fight also was Wagner's third of the season and first since Feb. 15.

The Bruins entered Saturday with a 9-point lead over the Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division standings.

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Bruins set for normal dressing room access amid NHL coronavirus precautions

By Joe Haggerty

March 07, 2020 5:45 PM

Pro sports leagues across North American are beginning to make contingency plans due to the looming threat of the coronavirus and the NHL is no different.

There was a report from ’s Elliotte Friedman earlier on Saturday afternoon that the entire NHL was closing the team dressing rooms to the media for all 31 NHL teams based on a CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommendation.

Some NHL teams in potential danger areas, such as the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks, are closing dressing room access as a precaution, but the part about it being an edict for the entire NHL seems a bit premature.

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The Boston Bruins will be following their normal postgame procedure Saturday night for the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We’ve been in contact with the league and we have been told there is no change in policy,” said the B’s spokesperson.

All of this may change in the days and weeks ahead, obviously, as the coronavirus spreads across the United States and Canada. There remains a possibility that the NHL could have hold games in empty arenas if that becomes a recommendation from the CDC. The NBA had made similar plans should the league deem it necessary.

The Friedman tweet also mentioned that the NBA, MLB and MLS were expected to follow suit, but that hasn’t happened as of yet. If it does indeed become a reality, the expectation is that coaches and players would all hold their media access in press conference facilities rather than the smaller, more intimate locker room setting.

Cassidy thinks Rask is pretty close to playoff form already

For now, things remain status quo with the Bruins. That’s good news for the media trying to get the best story and for the fans that are fervently following the NHL’s best as they attempt on Saturday night to become the first team in the league to 100 points this season.

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Bruins goalie prospect Jeremy Swayman having awesome season for Maine

By Nick Goss

March 07, 2020 4:56 PM

Jeremy Swayman is having one of the best seasons of any Boston Bruins prospect in 2019-20.

The University of Maine goalie gave an awesome performance Friday night in a 1-0 win over Providence that clinched home ice for the Black Bears in the quarterfinal round of the Hockey East Tournament. Swayman made 48 saves in the shutout victory.

This tweet from ESPN's Chris Peters gives some good context to Swayman's latest victory.

Jeremy Swayman (BOS) made 48 saves, 21 of which came in the third period, to propel Maine to a 1-0 win over Providence in the Hockey East finale. No goalie in the nation has seen more shots this season. Swayman carries a .939 save percentage over 34 GP, tied for second in NCAA.

Swayman has been Maine's best player this season, and he's set career highs in save percentage, GAA, shutouts, saves and wins. Earlier in the week, he was named Hockey East Goaltender of the Month for February after posting 210 saves (including two shutouts) and a 4-2-1 record. He was selected by the Bruins in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2017 draft.

The Bruins don't have to rush Swayman to the NHL given their excellent goaltending tandem of Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak. Rask is having another Vezina Trophy-worthy campaign. He ranks third in the league with a .928 save percentage and leads all goalies with a 2.13 goals- against average. Halak has been one of the league's best backups at 18- 6-6, a .919 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA.

The best path for Swayman would be playing for the AHL's for a bit before getting thrown into the NHL. And luckily for the Bruins, their organizational depth at the goaltender position should allow them to take that route with the Maine star.

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Bruce Cassidy thinks Bruins' Tuukka Rask is pretty close to playoff form

By Erin Walsh

March 07, 2020 4:34 PM

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask is having a solid season between the pipes.

He's been counted on night in and night out to give the B's a chance to win and he's done exactly that. While he certainly has his doubters, Rask has the full confidence of his team and coach Bruce Cassidy.

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The Stanley Cup playoffs don't begin until early April, but Cassidy said his No. 1 goaltender is as close to playoff form as he can be right now.

“I think only he can answer that, but to my eye he looks like he’s pretty damn close to that,” Cassidy said after morning skate on Saturday, according to WEEI's Matt Kalman. “He’s on his game, he’s engaged in the game, composed. Listen, his numbers speak for themselves, puck play, he’s out there. Again I always look at that to see if he’s focused on the game. We’ve got stretches where he hasn’t had a lot of work and he’s responded well with saves, and he’s responded well with the flurries of work when he needs to be conditioned to do that. So I like where he’s at right now. I mean we’re a little ways away, but so far so good.”

Rask is 25-7-6 with a 2.13 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage with four shutouts this season. And he hasn't just been good this season -- he's been solid through his entire NHL career. Rask's career save percentage is tied for the best in league history and is also fourth all-time in career GAA.

So, while many of his doubters will hit you with the "But he can't win a Stanley Cup," Rask has continued his remarkable consistency with only one regulation home loss this season.

The 32-year-old will more than likely play a major role in a deep playoff run come next month.

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Bruins' Brandon Carlo (upper body) out for Saturday's game vs. Lightning

By Joe Haggerty

March 07, 2020 12:54 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass – The Bruins will be without Brandon Carlo for Saturday night’s rematch against the Tampa Bay Lightning, presumably out with a concussion after getting elbowed in the face by Florida Panthers forward Evgenii Dadonov a couple of days ago.

The 23-year-old Carlo was at the Bruins practice facility on Saturday morning, but didn’t step on the ice with the team with what’s being called an upper-body injury. Carlo will be replaced in the lineup by defenseman John Moore, who hasn’t played a game in more than a month since the B's opted for Jeremy Lauzon, 22, in the lineup.

“He didn’t skate, so until he’s skating again we won’t have a better idea [on a return to the lineup],” said Bruce Cassidy of Carlo, who has four goals, 19 points, and a plus-16 in 67 games this season while topping 20 minutes of ice time per game. “We have lots of good players that we can plug in there, but we’d rather have Brandon healthy and ready to go. He’s one of the most underrated defensemen in the National Hockey League when it comes to defending, penalty killing and playing in a shutdown role. He’s grown his offensive game, so we’ll miss him for sure.

“John Moore is going in and playing on his off-side, so it will be a challenge for him. We also have [Connor Clifton] that could get back in there on his natural right side. But [Moore] has played more recently so he’ll get in there.”

Clearly, the Bruins will miss Carlo’s size, strength and ability to close down offensive plays while he’s out of the lineup, and that might call for young D-man Lauzon to play a bigger role until Carlo is ready to return.

Otherwise, Anders Bjork will also sit again for the Bruins with Sean Kuraly getting bumped up to the third line wing with Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk. Tuukka Rask will get the start against the Lightning after being victorious against the Bolts on Tuesday night in Tampa.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180133 Boston Bruins Garden penalty boxes were as stuffed as the Red Line leaving Kendall Square at rush hour.

“We always put a lot of emphasis to have each other’s backs,” Chara Bruins’ fists fly with playoff meeting on the line said. “Play as a unit, as a team. I thought you saw tonight that everybody responded in the right way.”

By Fluto Shinzawa The melee occurred as the TD Garden horn blew to halt play. Video review showed that 17 seconds earlier, Kuraly had poked the puck Mar 7, 2020 through Andrei Vasilevskiy and over the goal line before Brayden Point swept it aside. Referees Kyle Rehman and Trevor Hanson confirmed that

it was a good goal, making it a 3-2 game at the time. It would be a shame, after all that, if Saturday’s flash-bang of a tilt But Killorn answered with a power-play goal at 1:08 of the third. David between the Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning was the last time the two Pastrnak pulled the Bruins back within one with his own PP strike at 6:37. Atlantic Division combatants clashed in 2019-20. But Nikita Kucherov ended it with an empty-netter at 18:58. Let it be decreed, then, that resumption of hostilities will be required in There was one last flareup in the third. Mitchell Stephens rocked Round 2 of the playoffs. Bergeron in the corner. Torey Krug raced after Stephens, dropped his “You’ve got two teams fighting for the top of the standings,” said Sean gloves and slipped in a few punches. Kuraly, who launched himself off the turnbuckle in the second period to “It’s becoming more intense,” Cassidy said of the rivalry. “It’ll become tackle the Lightning’s Alex Killorn. “But I think it’s a little more than that, more meaningful should we meet again. And it’s getting amped up, too. We want to set the stage for what could possibly be to come. Two because both teams probably feel, physically, they’re up to the competitive teams that don’t want to give an inch.” challenge.” If Saturday was it, then Zdeno Chara vs. Patrick Maroon, Chris Wagner Brandon Carlo out vs. Barclay Goodrow and Brad Marchand vs. the entire Gulf Coast would have stood only for entertainment instead of message-sending. Brandon Carlo, lashed by an Evgenii Dadonov elbow to the face Thursday against the Florida Panthers, did not play against the Lightning. The former, of course, was most welcome. The latter, however, would be When asked whether Carlo had suffered a concussion, Bruce Cassidy the preferable mode of interpretation. classified it as an upper-body injury. Carlo was well enough to report to “It definitely looked like it,” Tuukka Rask said when asked whether bad Warrior Ice Arena on Saturday morning. blood was brewing between the clubs, now separated by seven points. During his rookie season, Carlo was concussed by Alex Ovechkin in the “You’re two top teams. So you’re battling for top spots. You know you regular-season finale. He did not recover in time for the playoffs. might face each other in the playoffs. You don’t want to give an inch out there. So that creates some bad blood out there for sure.” “We’ve got lots of good players we can plug in there. We’d rather have Brandon healthy and ready to go,” Cassidy said. “I think he’s one of the Oh, by the way, the Bruins lost the game, 5-3. In some ways, the most underrated defensemen in the National Hockey League when it nastiness mattered more than the result. comes to defending, penalty kill, shutdown-type of role. Grown his “There’s value in sticking up for one another. There’s value in offensive game. So we’ll miss him.” responding. Of course there is,” Bruce Cassidy said. “Some nights, it’s John Moore replaced Carlo on the right side of the No. 2 pairing. Moore more important than the outcome. I’m not going to sit here and say one had been a healthy scratch for the last 10 games, displaced by Jeremy or the other. We’ll look through it. But we wanted to respond.” Lauzon. Moore left the front of the net unguarded in the second to chase Today’s league is about speed and skill on the ice and hallway fist bumps Zach Bogosian, which allowed Cedric Paquette to make it a 3-0 game. with opponents off the ice. In that context, 94 combined penalty minutes “Every single day, cards are kind of stacked against me because of the practically represent warfare. Both teams earned their PIM on Saturday injury,” said Moore, who did not make his regular-season debut until Dec. (46 for the Bruins, 48 for the Lightning) with their fists and their sticks. 5 because of offseason shoulder surgery. “But I wasn’t using that as an “Especially our group, we love playing those games,” Kuraly said. “It’s excuse. My lower body, I didn’t have surgery on that. So there’s no tough to come out on the wrong side of it. But something came from that reason I couldn’t be bigger, stronger, faster down low. Every single day, first.” my approach was to get better. That’s kind of been my mentality when I’ve been out of the lineup, too. Just getting better every day.” If there was a genesis to the belligerence, it might have been the elbow that Goodrow delivered up high to Ondrej Kase, recently acquired from Carlo’s long-term status is unknown. A month remains before the the Anaheim Ducks, at 5:01 of the first period. Fellow Ducks addition playoffs. The Bruins are fortunate to be comfortably ahead of the Nick Ritchie didn’t care for the sideswipe. Goodrow was tagged with an Lightning and in position to ride without Carlo for some time. elbowing minor. But they cannot afford to be without Carlo in the playoffs. The 23-year-old The temperature spiked shortly thereafter, fueled also by a pair of Tampa has grown into a suffocating defensive presence. Now just three shorties by Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Sergachev. appearances shy of 300 NHL games, Carlo has made his quadrant of the defensive zone a plot where plays go to die. Chris Wagner, for one, wasn’t happy with how things were going. The Bruins have allowed 1.75 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play At 8:39, Wagner plastered Sergachev into the glass. That caught the with Carlo on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick. It is the second- attention of Goodrow. The two flung off their mitts, but linesmen Andrew lowest GA/60 among team defensemen, trailing only Matt Grzelcyk Smith and Tony Sericolo negated the would-be fight. (1.68), who plays against lesser competition. Carlo is averaging 3:07 of short-handed ice time per game, second-most after Zdeno Chara (3:10). After completing their unsportsmanlike conduct minors, the two escalated their hostilities to the five-minute kind. A right hook by Wagner dislodged Carlo has taken most of his even-strength shifts alongside Torey Krug. Goodrow’s helmet. But Cassidy has the option of uniting Chara and Carlo in endgame situations. He can also use them as a shutdown pair for the first shift The violence did not conclude there. after a power play. In the second, four of the Lightning jumped Marchand in the corner. Moore and Connor Clifton should be serviceable short-term solutions. Patrice Bergeron came to his linemate’s defense, which prompted a The Bruins activated Clifton off injured reserve Saturday and assigned mixup with Cirelli. Later in the second, Chara took exception to a high hit Karson Kuhlman to Providence. Clifton has not played since Dec. 29. by Sergachev. The Bruins, however, do not have a long-term replacement for Carlo. At 18:54 of the second, everything exploded. When Chara and Maroon Dadonov was originally given an elbowing major. After video review, were about to throw down, Cirelli cross-checked the captain in the back. referees Marc Joannette and Brian Pochmara reduced it to a minor. The Charlie Coyle tackled Cirelli. Kuraly jumped into the mix. Chara and Department of Player Safety did not consider the infraction worthy of Maroon untangled themselves and squared off. In the aftermath, the TD supplemental discipline. Dadonov was clearing the puck when his right elbow smashed into Carlo’s face.

“I don’t know if there was intent,” Cassidy said. “I do know when you’re in tight areas and trying to make a play, I know he felt him on his back, so he probably wanted to protect himself, too. I don’t think, in that instance, the guy purposely tried to elbow him in the head. I just don’t. I could be wrong.”

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Amerks gain more ground on Belleville

By Staff

Published Sun, Mar 8, 2020

Rochester used a big three-goal third period to overwhelm Belleville and secured a 4-2 win Saturday night at the CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario.

The victory moved the Americans (33-19-4-5) to within six points of first place in the AHL North Division after Friday’s 5-3 victory over the Senators. Belleville (38-19-4-1) is still in first place.

The Amerks played with five defensemen on the ice in an effort to limit Belleville’s potent offense.

Just like Friday, Rochester outshot its opponent. The Amerks rattled off 41 shots to the Senators’ 26.

Jonas Johansson made 24 saves in net for Rochester.

Belleville got on the scoreboard 2:57 into the game when Max Lajoie fired a shot into the top right corner of the Amerks’ net.

The lamp wouldn’t be lit again until the second period when Rochester’s Taylor Leier finished off a pass from Casey Mittelstadt to tie the game at one goal apiece.

Belleville took the lead again just 37 seconds later. Drake Batherson gave the Senators a 2-1 advantage as the Amerks’ defense was turned around.

Once again, the game went quiet. Rochester’s offense came alive in the third period, though, starting with Jacob Bryson’s tally 2:48 into the final stanza.

He scored on a one-timer assisted by Eric Cornel.

It looked like the game would need overtime, but William Borgen gave Rochester its first lead of the night with less than a minute and a half left to play in regulation.

It was the young defenseman’s first goal this season for Rochester.

Sean Malone added the icing on the cake with 29 seconds left in the game. He scored on Belleville’s empty net to ensure the victory.

The Americans have a brief homestand on deck this week.

They’ll host Binghamton on Wednesday and Syracuse on Friday at the Blue Cross Arena.

Buffalo News LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180135 Buffalo Sabres Let’s just build on that and I think we can find some really good chemistry."

The Sabres also had more 5-on-5 shot attempts (13-5) and scoring Sabres' new-look lineup can't break through as losing streak reaches 6 chances (5-2) when that line was on the ice. Additionally, Buffalo's other two forward groups excelled with puck possession, winning battles along the boards to sustain pressure in the offensive zone. By Lance Lysowski However, Buffalo failed to create enough traffic in front of Hart -- which Published Sat, Mar 7, 2020|Updated Sun, Mar 8, 2020 resulted in poor shot quality -- and its power play failed to score on four opportunities, including three in the third period. Krueger shifted his

power-play personnel in the third period by moving Skinner to the top PHILADELPHIA — Jake McCabe stared at the Buffalo Sabres' bench unit, only to watch Buffalo's slump extend to 0 for 17. with an expression of disbelief on his face and Carter Hutton watched a "It felt really good," Krueger said of his lineup. "I really liked the team replay on the video board above center ice as an announced crowd of tonight. I thought we had two real nice pushing-more offensive lines with 19,781 roared inside Wells Fargo Center. Johansson and Eichel. ... After two periods you’d say, 'Wow, we really One of the Sabres' most complete efforts of the season had just been put ourselves in position to break their winning streak,' but they’re on a spoiled in the third period Saturday night when a pass went over roll. They’re playing excellent hockey. Very confident team." McCabe's stick blade and toward Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude The Flyers took advantage of Buffalo's mistakes, beginning with the first Giroux, who one-timed the puck inside the far post for the go-ahead goal. of Giroux's two goals. Hutton kicked the rebound from a point shot toward "That's how it's going for us right now," Sabres winger Dominik Kahun the corner, and Jakub Voracek sent a pass across the crease. Giroux, said in a solemn tone following the 3-1 loss to the Flyers. who was left uncovered near the far post, kicked the puck off his skate and used his backhand to beat Hutton for a 1-0 lead at 10:04 into the While the Flyers celebrated their ninth consecutive victory, the Sabres second period. were left wondering how another impressive performance ended with a familiar result. Buffalo (29-31-8) has lost six in a row and scored two or Voracek later passed the puck over McCabe's well-positioned stick fewer goals for the seventh straight game, despite firing 39 shots at blade, and Giroux timed his shot perfectly, as it went inside the far post Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart. for a 2-1 lead 9:28 into the third period.

Though the Sabres' 66 points are the third-fewest in the Eastern The Flyers then pulled away when Rasmus Ristolainen passed the puck Conference, one significant development came out of the loss: Coach to his own goalie to relieve pressure from Philadelphia winger Joel Ralph Krueger may have found the right line mix to ignite the struggling Farabee. However, the puck bounced on Hutton, whose back-handed offense. pass attempt to Ristolainen was intercepted by Farabee. The Flyers rookie then scored with a shot between Hutton's leg pads for a 3-1 lead. After refusing to make the change for the first 67 games, Krueger reunited Jeff Skinner, Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart on a line. Victor It was the fewest goals the Flyers have scored during their win streak, Olofsson was also placed with Marcus Johansson and Dominik Kahun. and the Sabres left Philadelphia knowing how they need to play defensively to give themselves a chance in March. Skinner, Eichel and Reinhart combined for 15 shots on goal, including seven in the third period. Kahun, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh There were no silver linings, though. Buffalo inched closer to a ninth Penguins at the trade deadline Feb. 24, recorded his fourth point in five consecutive season without playoff hockey, as even its best forwards are games with Buffalo by tying the game, 1-1, at 16:54 into the second struggling to capitalize on opportunities. period. "Anytime it’s going like that it’s not fun," Skinner said. "You want to win The Sabres bested the Flyers in 5-on-5 shot attempts (17-8) and scoring games and we’re getting opportunities. We’re just not finding ways to chances (11-6) with the Eichel line on the ice, according to bury them and the other team is. That’s the difference in most of the NaturalStatTrick.com. Additionally, the group had six high-danger scoring games lately." chances.

"I thought we had some good chances," Skinner, who had six shots on Buffalo News LOADED: 03.08.2020 goal, said. "We’d like to get one there and create some momentum, get us on the board. I thought Eichs and Reino played really well. Reino was really strong on the walls, won a lot of battles. That allowed us to stay in their end and create those opportunities."

Skinner sprung Reinhart for a breakaway in the first period, only to watch from the bench as Hart made the save. Hart, 21, entered Saturday with a 19-2-2 record and .942 save percentage at home this season. The line earned another quality even-strength scoring opportunity four minutes into the second period, as Reinhart had two shot attempts from atop the crease stopped by Hart.

The Sabres were a one-line team last season when Skinner scored many of his career-high 40 goals on Eichel's left wing. Additionally, the trio wasn't strong defensively, which led Krueger to keep Olofsson with the top line for much of this season.

There were few significant defensive breakdowns against Philadelphia (41-20-7), and two additions to the roster helped form a potent second line: Johansson and Kahun.

Johansson, who signed a two-year contract with the Sabres last July, eluded two defenders behind Philadelphia's net and sent a centering pass to the slot for Olofsson. While Hart and his teammates expected Olofsson to shoot, the Sabres' rookie winger passed to the far post, where Kahun had an easy one-timer to tie the score.

"I think we played a pretty good game," Olofsson said of his line. "Just playing with JoJo is really easy. We had good chemistry at camp and I feel like Kahun fits perfectly into our line. I think we created some good chances. We could have probably had a couple more goals today too. 1180136 Buffalo Sabres Gilmour from Rochester. Gilmour and winger Jimmy Vesey were healthy scratches.

The Wraparound: Flyers 3, Sabres 1 Buffalo News LOADED: 03.08.2020

By Lance Lysowski

Published Sat, Mar 7, 2020|Updated Sat, Mar 7, 2020

PHILADELPHIA — Every change coach Ralph Krueger made Saturday night seemed to ignite the Buffalo Sabres in Wells Fargo Center.

Jeff Skinner reunited with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart to create a formidable top line. Skinner even sparked the power play when he was moved to the first unit during the third period.

The adjustments led to arguably one of the Sabres' most impressive games of the season, yet they had nothing to show for it. Carter Hutton allowed two goals in the third period, as the Philadelphia Flyers extended their winning streak to nine with a 3-1 victory over Buffalo.

The Sabres (29-31-8) have lost six games in a row and have scored two or fewer goals in seven straight. Dominik Kahun scored his second goal with the Sabres and 12th of the season to tie the score, 1-1, in the second period.

Flyers captain Claude Giroux scored two goals, including one in the third to give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead, and Joel Farabee added to the lead by taking advantage of Hutton misplaying the puck with 5:01 remaining in the third. The Flyers (41-20-7) remain tied with Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division.

Strong start: The Flyers did not have a shot on goal until 12:16 into the first period, when Hutton stopped Travis Konecny's attempt from the left circle. Additionally, Buffalo allowed only three shots during consecutive penalty kills. Colin Miller's holding infraction occurred only 10 seconds after Brandon Montour's slashing penalty expired.

Missed opportunity: The Sabres recorded zero shots on goal during their first-period power play, as they committed neutral-zone turnovers and failed to generate much offensive-zone time.

Close call: Skinner sprung Reinhart for a breakaway, but Flyers goalie Carter Hart stopped the shot at 5:51 into the game. The Sabres out-shot Philadelphia, 13-4, in the first period and had four more shot attempts than the Flyers. Entering Saturday, Buffalo was 11-8-1 when tied after the first period this season.

Top line: Skinner, Reinhart and Eichel made a significant impact after starting a game for the first time this season. Reinhart almost gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead at 4:07 into the second period by corralling a pass from Skinner and getting two shots on net from atop the crease, but Hart managed to make both saves.

Opening salvo: Giroux gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead at 10:04 into the second period on a play in which he used his skate to stop a centering pass from Jakub Voracek and fired a backhand shot past Hutton.

Settling in: Kahun, who was acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline Feb. 24, recorded his fourth point in five games by scoring the tying goal with 3:06 remaining in the second period. The 24-year-old forward was left wide open to Hart's left because the Flyers thought Olofsson was going to shoot the puck from the slot. Instead, Olofsson snapped his six-game point drought with the primary assist to Kahun.

Marcus Johansson made the goal possible with his backhanded centering pass from behind Philadelphia's net. Johansson also has four points in his last five games.

Adjustment: During the third period, Krueger replaced Rasmus Dahlin with Skinner on the top power play and moved Ristolainen to the point. The change ignited the Sabres' special teams, leading to six shots on goal in less than five minutes, though Buffalo was unable to scored during their first power play of the third period.

Another lead: The Flyers took a 2-1 lead at 9:28 in the third period, when Voracek's centering pass went off Jake McCabe's stick and to Giroux, who scored his 21st goal of the season with a one-timer past Hutton.

Lineup: Defenseman Lawrence Pilut (illness) was not available to play against the Flyers, leading the Sabres to recall defenseman John 1180137 Buffalo Sabres 26. Buffalo Sabres. Slim playoff hopes ended with disastrous Western trip. (24)

27. Anaheim Ducks. Beat Leafs in opener of stretch of seven out of Mike Harrington's NHL Power Rankings eight at home. (27)

28. San Jose Sharks. Bay Area is current epicenter of NHL's By Mike Harrington coronavirus concerns. (28)

Published Sat, Mar 7, 2020|Updated Sat, Mar 7, 2020 29. Los Angeles Kings. Have won four straight and seven of 10. (30)

30. Ottawa Senators. Just 6-19-6 on road and starting five-game Western trip. (29) Through Friday's games. Last week's rankings in parentheses. 31. Detroit Red Wings. That minus-120 goal differential is stunning to 1. Boston Bruins. Pastrnak entered weekend tied with Ovechkin for goal stare at. (31) lead at 47. (1)

2. St. Louis Blues. Champs lost eight-game winning streak with surprising misstep at New Jersey. (2) Buffalo News LOADED: 03.08.2020

3. Tampa Bay Lightning. Face rest of season and maybe first round of playoffs without Stamkos. (3)

4. Philadelphia Flyers. A spectacular late-season charge has them in the Cup conversation. (7)

5. Colorado Avalanche. Nine-game road winning streak ended with loss in Vancouver. (5)

6. Washington Capitals. Ovechkin always a treat to WATCH: Monday is first of two visits this month. (4)

7. Pittsburgh Penguins. Before beating Sens and Sabres, just scored eight goals during six-game losing streak. (9)

8. Vegas Golden Knights. Battle in goal: Lehner has won two straight, Fleury has lost two straight. (6)

9. Dallas Stars. Opened four-game homestand Saturday vs. Predators. (8)

10. Edmonton Oilers. Four-goal, five-point outburst for Draisaitl in Nashville. (16)

11. Calgary Flames. Lindholm closing in on first 30-goal season. (18)

12. Columbus Blue Jackets. Nine of 14 games in March are on the road. (14)

13. Toronto Maple Leafs. No California dreamin': Scored just three goals in losing all three games. (11)

14. New York Islanders. Boychuk needed 90 stitches to close cut to face from errant skate. (10)

15. New York Rangers. Historic five-goal explosion from Zibanejad stuns Caps. (15)

16. Vancouver Canucks. Wore 2000 Orca jerseys in warmups prior to visit by Avs. (12)

17. Winnipeg Jets. Atmosphere in NHL's smallest barn is always spectacular. (20)

18. Minnesota Wild. Are 7-3-1 under Evason to crawl into playoff spot. (21)

19. Carolina Hurricanes. Pesce undergoes season-ending shoulder surgery. (13)

20. Florida Panthers. Another playoff miss might mean breakup of current core. (19)

21. Nashville Predators. Devastating tornado hit just 2 miles from Bridgestone Arena. (17)

22. Arizona Coyotes. With just nine goals in 33 games, who's paying Hall big money this summer? (22)

23. Montreal Canadiens. RIP to Henri Richard, 11-time Cup winner known as the "Pocket Rocket." (23)

24. Chicago Blackhawks. Lost at Detroit just as they crawled back into wild-card race. (25)

25. New Jersey Devils. Snapped 12-game skid vs. Blues to pull even with Sabres in East. (26) 1180138 Buffalo Sabres serve as the backup Saturday night in Philadelphia, and Carter Hutton will get the start.

Hutton has posted a .904 save percentage while losing four of his last Sabres game day: Rugged March schedule continues with red-hot Flyers five starts and has allowed three goals in each of his past three games. Hutton is 4-2 with a .897 save percentage in six career games against the Flyers. By Lance Lysowski Carter Hart, who has a .911 save percentage in 41 games this season, Published Sat, Mar 7, 2020|Updated Sat, Mar 7, 2020 will start for the Flyers.

Reunion: This is another return to Philadelphia for Wayne Simmonds, who played 584 games over eight seasons with the Flyers. Simmonds PHILADELPHIA – If the Buffalo Sabres are going to play their way back scored 203 goals with 175 assists in the regular season during that span. into the playoff picture, they're going to need to solve their road problem. He also appeared in 30 playoff games with Philadelphia. The Sabres' 24 points away from KeyBank Center is the third-lowest road "Wayne is a strong voice in advocating a team game," coach Ralph mark in the National Hockey League. The Philadelphia Flyers, Krueger said. "He’s a strong voice in understanding the value of a team meanwhile, have won eight games in a row and are tied with Washington game and somebody who’s proven in the past that that helps. So, he’s for first place in the Metropolitan Division. an important voice for us right now where our team game is being tested. The Flyers' 13-3 record since Feb. 1 is tied with the Boston Bruins for the We’re in a state of adversity, we’re in a state of character testing, and we best mark in the NHL and Philadelphia has scored a league-high 68 need the right voices to fight us through this because it is also a time goals during that span. where we can really cement our game because if you do it here when it hurts and you do it here when it’s tough, when you get momentum it just Philadelphia has five players with 19 or more goals: Travis Konecny (24), becomes a natural habit." (23), Sean Couturier (22), Claude Giroux (19) and James van Riemsdyk (19), who is out four-to-six weeks with a broken finger. Extended look: The Sabres will likely give Kahun every opportunity to show he can be a top-six option next season. The 24-year-old winger has "I think they have some special players that make some special plays," three points in four games since being acquired from Pittsburgh and Giroux said following the Flyers' morning skate Saturday. "You give them recorded a secondary assist on Johansson's goal Thursday night against room to make plays they will make it. I think they haven’t had the the Penguins. bounces this year and they’re a better team than their record says. Krueger told reporters Thursday morning that he views Kahun as an "We know maybe Buffalo isn’t in the same race as us in the playoffs, but I option at center, though the Sabres won't experiment with the move until don’t think they’re still out. We’ve seen crazier stuff happen before. If Kahun learns the Sabres' defensive-zone structure. Kahun played only there’s a team that can come back and make a push for it, it’s definitely 7:16 against the Penguins and received three shifts in the third period. them." "He’s a spark plug," Krueger said of Kahun. "We think he has a strong Blender: Krueger finally blew up his forward lines during practice Friday skill set. We like his speed and his deception in the game. Also because after the Sabres scored two or fewer goals for a sixth consecutive game. he had a very long running past as a centerman in Europe. He hasn’t brought that in here. He has a good understanding of the game away Jeff Skinner was reunited with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart on the top from the puck. We like the way he’s integrated himself here so quickly line, while Victor Olofsson skated with Marcus Johansson and Dominik and the principles and the concepts we’re trying to cement here without Kahun. Skinner and Eichel downplayed the move, but this is a significant the puck. You can see his smarts. A good sport, a good guy in the room. philosophical shift by Krueger. He’s been an excellent addition here." Krueger previously expressed a desire to put a more defensive-minded left wing with Eichel and Reinhart. However, Eichel is marred in a career- long six-game pointless slump. Reinhart and Olofsson have zero points Buffalo News LOADED: 03.08.2020 in six and seven games, respectively.

Last season, the Sabres scored 30 goals at 5 on 5 when Eichel, Skinner and Reinhart were on the ice at the same time. Comparatively, Buffalo has 27 goals this season with Olofsson, Eichel and Reinhart on the ice at 5 on 5.

Krueger would not say if the practice lines would be used during the game against Philadelphia.

“That combination has seen sporadic shifts here and there through the season," Krueger said of Eichel, Skinner and Reinhart. "It’s not in the thousands, but there was a lot of ice there. It feels like something we wanted to look at in the skate today and we’ll make that final call tomorrow, but it’s just about getting our offense going and digging for combinations that can make that possible. We need more than one line to go here with the opposition that are coming at us but that will definitely be a potential option tomorrow.”

Zemgus Girgensons (lower body) will be in the Sabres lineup, according to Krueger. Defenseman Lawrence Pilut (illness) is out, which led the team to recall John Gilmour from Rochester.

Here's how the Sabres lined up during practice Friday:

With Girgensons out (maintenance), #Sabres lines are

Skinner-Eichel-Reinhart

Olofsson-Johansson-Kahun

Vesey-Lazar-Simmonds

Frolik-Larsson-Okposo

Starting goalie: Linus Ullmark is back with the Sabres after missing more than a month with a lower body injury. However, the 26-year-old will 1180139 Buffalo Sabres $4.80

Craig Smith

Waiting in the wings: Sabres will see scoring options on the free-agent 67 market 18

30 By John Vogl $4.75 Mar 7, 2020 Mikael Granlund

61 As the Sabres look to add offense this summer, two of the leading goal scorers on the market will be … 17

Derek Grant and Tyler Ennis. 30

Hey, maybe it would work this time. $6.50

Since the odds are against reunions with those former Buffalo forwards, Vladimir Namestnikov who else is scheduled to be out there? Are there players who could vault 61 the Sabres into the top half of NHL scoring for the first time since 2010- 11? 15

For sure. 28

As we’ve detailed often, the Sabres’ biggest needs now and in the future $4.00 are a No. 2 center, two right wingers and one left wing. Some long- Jesper Fast awaited good news: Right wingers will highlight the free agent market, giving the Sabres legitimate options. 66

The Sabres will also have money to spend in 2020-21. Let’s assume: 12

$84 million salary cap, which is the low end of the NHL’s expectations. 28

$2 million overage subtracted from the Sabres’ ceiling, though the exact $1.95 figure will not be available until June. Ilya Kovalchuk $47 million committed to 10 players (Jack Eichel, Jeff Skinner, Marcus Johansson, Kyle Okposo, Jake McCabe, Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus 44 Ristolainen, Colin Miller, Henri Jokiharju and Carter Hutton). 10 $12.7 million in qualifying offers to eight restricted free agents (Sam 26 Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Linus Ullmark, Dominik Kahun, Curtis Lazar, Victor Olofsson, Lawrence Pilut and Tage Thompson). It will certainly $700,000 cost more than a qualifying offer to re-sign Reinhart ($3.75 million) and Olofsson ($735,000), but we’ll start there. Hoffman will be the No. 1 name on the market at any position. He has six straight 20-goal seasons and is about to top 30 for the second $791,667 for Cody Hodgson’s buyout, which is on the books through consecutive year. Since 2014-15, Hoffman ranks 18th in the NHL with 2022-23. 167 goals. The 30-year-old can play either wing and is a legitimate top- line skater, though he's on the second line in Florida. That leaves the Sabres with $21.5 million to spend. It’s certainly enough to compete dollar-for-dollar on the biggest names available. Dadonov, who gets the juicy role with the Panthers alongside Aleksander Barkov, scored 28 times in each of the previous two seasons and is on And here’s who is scheduled to be available, barring a decision to re-sign pace to top that. Buffalo has not been a top destination for Russian before July 1. All statistics are entering March 6 and salaries (in millions) players. are from this season. The 27-year-old Toffoli has picked an ideal time to bounce back. After Right wingers scoring just 14 goals last season, he's topped 20 for the fourth time. Mike Hoffman Changing teams hasn't fazed the longtime Los Angeles forward, who has five goals in his first seven games with Vancouver. 67 Smith, 30, is on pace to score at least 20 goals for the sixth time in seven 27 seasons. The 28-year-old Granlund should score 20 for the third time in four years. 56 The well-traveled Namestnikov, who's on his fourth team in three $5.65 seasons, has just one 20-goal year to his credit. Fast's career high is 13, Evgenii Dadonov though he seems destined to top that.

67 Kovalchuk needs no introduction as a two-time 50-goal scorer, but it's unlikely he'd view Buffalo as an ideal landing spot. 25 Left wingers 46 Taylor Hall $3.60 63 Tyler Toffoli 15 65 50 23 $6.00 41 Carl Soderberg 68 Grant has already set a career high in goals. He's fitting in with the surging Flyers, putting up five points in his opening five games. But with 16 zero goals in 40 games with Buffalo in 2016-17, his time with the Sabres 33 isn't fondly remembered.

$4.00 Not long ago, Haula's career was trending up. He established personal bests in goals for three straight seasons, culminating with 29 for Vegas in Tyler Ennis 2017-18. But a devastating knee injury has slowed him considerably. The 28-year-old is on his third team in two seasons. 67 Clearly, the Sabres won't find a No. 2 center on the free-agent market. 15 But there are certainly wingers who can help. Buffalo can offer money 36 and key roles. That's especially true on the right side, where Reinhart sits alone as a proven top-six commodity. $800,000 Hoffman would shoot to the top of the Sabres' right wings. Toffoli would Josh Archibald give Reinhart a run for playing time. The other right wingers would at least improve the Sabres' depth. 59 It's essentially Hall or bust on the left side. Buffalo would have legitimate 12 three-line punch with Skinner, Olofsson and Hall, though committing that 20 much money to one position while lacking centers to feed them the puck may not be the best option. $1.00 But the Sabres will see options as they look toward next year. Zemgus Girgensons

67 The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 12

19

$1.60

Josh Leivo

36

7

19

$1.50

(Note: Archibald re-signed with the Oilers for two years on Friday night, taking him off the market).

Since winning the Hart Trophy in 2018, things have rolled downhill for Hall. He was limited to 11 goals in 33 games last year. A trade from New Jersey to Arizona this season has yet to ignite his offense. Still, the 28- year-old is two years removed from a 39-goal season and has topped 20 an additional five times.

The 34-year-old Soderberg scored a career-high 23 goals last year but may fall back to his usual sub-20 level.

Ennis, who spent his first eight seasons with the Sabres, has scored his most goals since 2014-15. Traded from Ottawa to Edmonton, he's skating alongside Connor McDavid. It's hard to envision him next to Eichel.

Girgensons' resurgence has him on pace to match his career best of 15.

Leivo was enjoying a career year before suffering a fractured knee cap in December.

Centers

Derek Grant

54

15

25

$700,000

Erik Haula

46

12

23

$2.75 1180140 Calgary Flames

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020

Game Day: Flames vs. Golden Knights

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia

March 7, 2020 6:50 PM MST

THE BIG MATCHUP

Flames RW Elias Lindholm vs. Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury

Held off the scoresheet in Friday’s 3-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, Elias Lindholm is on the brink of scoring 30 goals. It would be his first 30- goal campaign, and an incredible feat. Chances are, currently sitting at 29, he’ll get there. There are 13 games remaining in the regular season. But, on Sunday, he’ll likely be in tough against Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury if he gets the start. Fleury has lost back-to- back games and needs to rebound.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Sportsnet is featuring an all- female broadcast team and a female production team in the broadcast truck live from Scotiabank Saddledome. Leah Hextall is set to call the play-by-play of Sunday’s game while Cassie Campbell-Pascall will be the game’s colour analyst and Christine Simpson the sideline reporter. The behind-the-scenes intricacies will be taken care of by executive producer Alison Redmond, game producer Maria Skinner and director Dawn Landis. Sportsnet has also partnered with SAIT to provide opportunities for female students to shadow key production roles in person during Sunday’s broadcast.

GIORDANO APPROVES

As a father of a young daughter named Reese and husband of a strong woman Lauren, Flames captain Mark Giordano fully endorses Sunday’s International Women’s Day — and the all-female broadcast of the Flames’ clash against the Golden Knights. “I think it’s great,” Giordano said. “It’s going to get to a point where it’s not that big of a deal which is a good thing for society. Me, Chucky and Ritter had a chance at the (NHL) All-Star Game, we had a chance to meet some of the women who were playing in the three-on-three game and had a great chat with them. It was a really good experience. I think it’s important for the mens’ game and the womens’ game to support each other … we’re moving in a great direction as far as (the broadcast) goes. It’s a big day, for sure.”

HAMONIC CLOSER?

Travis Hamonic continues to take steps towards making a return to action. The 29-year-old Calgary Flames defenceman skated with the team, in a full contact practice, which likely means he’s getting closer to game action. Hamonic has been out with an upper body injury since Feb. 8 when he was checked awkwardly into the boards. “We’ve gotta check all the boxes but he’s certainly getting better every day,” said Flames interim head coach Geoff Ward. “I’m sure he’s not that far away. But we have to make sure we go through all the things we need to for us to feel good and for him to feel good that he’s ready to play.”

REMEMBER WHEN

Remember when the Flames were beat 6-0 by the Golden Knights on Nov. 17 at T-Mobile Arena? How about when they lost 6-2 to Vegas on Oct.12 at Sin City? It’s been a while since these teams have clashed and although the Flames have had zero success at Vegas — 6-0-0 and counting — they have three of four meetings all-time against the Golden Knights at Scotiabank Saddledome. The NHL schedule makers were on the right track when they booked the teams’ final two games of the 2019- 20 campaign for the last two months. After Sunday’s game, they’ll square off on April 2 — Calgary’s second-last game of the regular season.

THIS N’ THAT

Since the NHL all-star break, Flames LW Matthew Tkachuk has seven goals and 15 assists in 19 games … the Flames are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and are on a three-game win streak … the Golden Knights are 8- 2-0 in the last 10 games and lost 4-0 to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday … “With 13 games left we feel like we’re in a really good spot,” said Flames captain Mark Giordano. “We feel like we’re starting to play some of our best hockey. It’s really encouraging and hopefully we can keep it going and solidify that playoff spot.” 1180141 Calgary Flames However, the nature of professional sports means that many people are working in close proximity to the players.

Local and visiting media, productions crews, staff, support staff, and Flames, NHL taking precautions amid COVID-19 spread security are often buzzing around the Scotiabank Saddledome on a game day. Often, family, friends, and fans are seen outside of the dressing rooms on a game day. Kristen Anderson, Postmedia NHL teams fly privately around North America, so risks are limited. March 7, 2020 6:54 PM MST Commissioner Bettman issued a statement barring League employees from overseas business travel and, independently, each team is making

its own decisions on overseas business travel. The Calgary Flames have already begun taking precautionary measures But everyone, said Treliving, needs to be educated. to do their part in protecting the health of their players against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “It’s a little bit unique wth the travel we do … but you’re conscious of it,” Treliving said. “There shouldn’t be hysteria around it but, it’s like anything While hand-sanitizing stations and ‘Wash Your Hands’ signs have begun else, you live smartly and a lot of the steps we take is basic stuff, limiting appearing all over the Scotiabank Saddledome, including its underbelly contact, like making sure you’re washing your hands … but you take a where the home and visiting teams dressing rooms are situated, the little extra precaution.” National Hockey League issued an edict to all 31 teams to close dressing rooms to media on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020 For the Flames, that meant conducting interviews following Saturday’s practice in front of the team’s backdrop outside of their dressing room rather than inside of it. Elsewhere including Carolina and Minnesota, other NHL teams were doing the same.

“Everyone’s concerned, right?” said Flames captain Mark Giordano. “We’ve seen how this virus has spread and I’m sure the league is going to do everything in its’ power to take every precaution. I think, as players, we’ve just gotta be aware of it and take care of ourselves.

“Eat well, get your proper, keep your immune system up and hopefully as an entire world, we can find a way to eliminate this thing. It’s concerning for everyone and we’re very aware of what’s going on. Our doctors have kept us really informed.”

On Saturday, the Flames were debriefed by their medical staff and general manager Brad Treliving and were able to ask questions about COVID-19 — a quickly evolving situation that has affected many professional sports around the world, including hockey.

“The league has given us some steps and you’re taking your own steps to take every precaution necessary,” Treliving said. “It starts with, No. 1., recognizing it’s a very low risk. But you want to be very conscious of what’s going on and take steps to protect your players, ultimately our fans and those types of things. We are educating the players and passing along league mandates they’ve given us and, also, have our doctors talk to them.

“You hear a lot in the media. It’s separating fact from fiction.”

According to the World Health Organization, people can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus, spreading from person-to-person through small droplets from the nose or mouth spreading when a person coughs or exhales.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said at the conclusion of last week’s general managers meetings that the NHL is communicating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with Health Canada.

And, over the weekend, the NHL also sent out a memo to teams urging players to limit contact with fans because of the spread of the disease.

“They’ve been putting up sheets around the rink, hand sanitizers at your disposal, washing your hands all the time,” said Flames goaltender Cam Talbot. “All of those little things you can do to help prevent it. It is tough when fans are looking forward to something like that, but hopefully they understand the other side of it at this point.”

The IIHF has cancelled six under-18 tournaments in Europe in March. Switzerland’s National League postponed its playoffs until March 15 after the Swiss government banned events with more than 1,000 spectators. The International Ice Hockey Federation cancelled the 2020 women’s world championships in Halifax and Truro, N.S., amid COVID-19 concerns. The tournament was supposed to run from March 31 to April 10.

As of Saturday afternoon, the risk in Alberta remains low. There have been two presumptive cases in this province and 54 cases across Canada. 1180142 Calgary Flames The Chargers visited Clarkson on the second weekend of January 2010.

Over the next two months, Talbot would lead his squad to a conference crown and just the second NCAA tournament berth in school history. Flames netminder Cam Talbot reflects on winding path to 300 NHL starts Despite his 36-save showing, Alabama-Huntsville couldn’t upset top- seeded Miami (Ohio) in the regional semifinal round.

Wes Gilbertson Shortly after Talbot had showered and changed into his civvies after that March 7, 2020 4:26 PM MST 2-1 loss, he had two NHL offers waiting.

The Philadelphia Flyers, having just lost their backup to a high-ankle sprain, wanted to fly him straight to the City of Brotherly Love. This improbable climb started with an out-of-the-blue phone call. Then 22, he signed instead with the New York Rangers, anxious to learn Then tending twine for the Junior-A level Hamilton Bulldogs, Cam Talbot from goaltending guru Benoit Allaire and established star Henrik hadn’t the faintest clue that the hockey recruiters from the University of Lundqvist. (He would later become a workhorse for the Edmonton Oilers Alabama-Huntsville had ever laid eyes on him. before winding up in Philly for a short stint, after all.)

“I didn’t think anybody was watching me, to be honest,” he said. “I know it sounds so cliché, but just a dream come true,” Talbot reminisced. “A kid from a small-town, going to an unknown college, never And then? drafted, never really looked at, passed over in everything … To get that “They actually had a goalie de-commit in the middle of summer and they opportunity and putting pen to paper, that was pretty special.” called me, I want to say it was the end of June,” Talbot recalled. “They A decade later, the dream continues. just said, ‘We’d love to have you down here next season — it would be a full scholarship.’ I come from a small town, hard-working parents, humble In NHL history, only 150 other netminders have been tabbed for 300-plus beginnings, so a full ride meant a lot. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass starts. This is not an insignificant number. up. Talbot has served as David Rittich’s sidekick for most of his first season “I had never talked to their recruiters or anything like that until they called at the Saddledome, but No. 39 has been the better of two backstops and offered me that scholarship.” since the calendar flipped to 2020.

Despite its status as an NCAA Division I program, you won’t find He’s won three in a row and five of his past six starts, including a pair of Huntsville on the road map to the National Hockey League. shutouts — a 44-save goose-egg in Anaheim and a 38-save blanking in Florida, both times with his team on the second half of back-to-back set. Which was fine, because Talbot never dreamed he would make millions as a masked man. Now 32, he logged his 300th NHL start Friday, If he is between the pipes for Sunday’s showdown with the Vegas backstopping the Calgary Flames to a crucial 3-2 victory over the Golden Knights at the Saddledome (5 p.m. MT, Sportsnet/Sportsnet 960 divisional rival Arizona Coyotes. The Fan), it will mark his first string of four straight crease-calls in the Flaming C. As a freshman with the UAH Chargers in 2007-08, the late recruit from Caledonia, Ont., managed just one victory in 13 appearances. His After Talbot kicked out 32 shots against the Coyotes, with 20 of those in numbers were … well … awful — a 4.63 goals-against average and .860 a sloppy second period, it would be somewhat surprising if they don’t save percentage. continue to roll with him.

Talbot’s stat-line was significantly better as a sophomore, although his 2- “Obviously, (Friday) was a huge win for us,” Talbot said. “And I’m just 16-3 record shows there were still a lot of frustrating nights. happy that not only did No. 300 mean something for me, it meant something for the whole team, too.” Even during his most successful collegiate campaign, he insists a future as a professional puck-stopper never really crossed his mind. The beauty of it is that after 300 NHL starts, and 150 victories on the biggest stage, Talbot is the same modest and personable dude from his “Three-quarters of the way through my third year there, my junior year, I days in Huntsville. didn’t have an agent, didn’t have an adviser, and my coach (Danton Cole) called me into his office one day and said, ‘Are you represented by “He hasn’t changed one bit. Not one bit,” Bazos said. “I just saw him in anyone yet?’ ” Talbot said. “I said, ‘No, I never thought I needed to be.’ Boston a couple of weeks ago — we spent an hour just talking — and And he gave me, like, five names that had called and inquired about me. every time I leave him, I think, ‘Man, he is such a great guy.’ And I do believe that helps. Even in situations where he may have been the “I was having a pretty good season. I was near the top of the nation in a backup goalie, his teammates are pulling for him. His teammates, they lot of categories, statistically. But still, I had never been drafted in major- want him to be successful. They want to play hard for him. junior. I was going to a relatively unknown college. I just thought it was a pipe dream. I was still watching the NHL as a fan and just never thinking “You can see it, even at the end of some of these games in the last few I’m ever going to get an opportunity. weeks where he’s had a shutout going … The game is out of hand, per se. You know they’re going to win. But the guys are still working hard for “My coach told me, ‘Give these guys a call and see what they say.’ I him to try to get that shutout. They do that for someone they really care never even got to meet my agent in-person before I picked him because about.” everything happened so quick.” This improbable road hasn’t been without its speed bumps and potholes. George Bazos of New York-based Edge Sports Management, one of the names on that list, still represents Talbot a decade later. Like when Talbot first arrived in Huntsville.

“The first time I saw him, I didn’t even know who he was,” Bazos said. “I “To be honest, I didn’t come down in the greatest of shape,” Talbot went to a game at Clarkson University to see a player for Clarkson, and admits now. “They had to whip me into shape.” they happened to be playing Alabama-Huntsville. And their goalie was tremendous. I was actually sitting with a former assistant GM — I believe Or when he arrived in Hartford, home of the Rangers’ farm club, for the at the time, of the Oilers. He was at the game scouting. And I said to him, final two weeks of the regular season. The plan was that he’d practise ‘Is this goalie tremendous, or is it just me?’ He said, ‘No, he’s been really with the Wolf Pack but wouldn’t see any game action as the third- good.’ stringer.

“So I went right down to find out all about Cam. At that point, his name “And then one goalie got sick and the other goalie got pulled halfway wasn’t anywhere. When you watched him play that day at Clarkson … through and I went in against one of the better teams in the AHL,” Talbot He’s big. He’s athletic. He’s composed. And in a world where it’s hard to recalled. “They scored three goals on 11 shots and I was thinking, ‘Uh find goalies like that, jeez, he looked pretty special.” oh, time to put in some work this summer.’ That was eye-opener.”

The scouts would soon catch on. Like when Talbot struggled last winter to his worst statistical campaign at the highest level, in part because of injuries he perhaps shouldn’t have been trying to play through.

With a 12-10-1 mark, a 2.63 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage so far this season, he’s proven not only to be a reliable option for the Flames but is now pushing for more and more playing time in the heat of a playoff push.

There are 300 NHL starts in his rearview mirror. The only University of Alabama-Huntsville alum on a big-league payroll, he’s focused on ensuring there are many more to come.

“I took a long road to get here and I think that makes you appreciate it that much more,” Talbot said. “I’m one of the guys that stays out after practice and stays late for workouts and stuff like that. Because the only two things you can control are your attitude and your work ethic, and I try to bring both of those to the rink every day. When I finally lose my job, I want it to be because the guy is better than me, not because he worked harder than me. If I can control that, that just keeps me going.

“When you get close to these (milestones), you start to look back a bit, and for me it’s just about the road it took to get here and how much time I put in. And I’m still putting in that time because I feel like you can always be getting better and adding tools to your tool-box and you can never be satisfied with where you’re at. Complacency is an enemy. I try to just keep building every day and we’ll try to go for another couple hundred starts.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180143 Calgary Flames offence — but (tonight) we turned less pucks over. We were really strict with that. We got pucks in, pucks out. We didn’t give them much in the neutral zone or in our D-zone like in the second, where we got spread out Constantly having to overcome adversity at home is making Calgary a a little bit and they got some looks inside the box.” better team Tkachuk said that how the Flames played in the third is a real positive with the playoffs just a month away.

By Darren Haynes “We were talking about it before the third. This is going to be a playoff- type period. Up one goal. Not talking like shut it down in the third, Mar 7, 2020 because we still had some chances, but limit their chances,” Tkachuk explained. “Be above them. Get pucks out of our zone. Have layers so

they have to come through a few guys. They had maybe one or two OK Over four and a half months ago, the Flames skated to a 5-1 victory over chances, one really good one, but other than that not much. When Detroit at the Scotiabank Saddledome. tested, Talbs was really good.”

Now, defeating the Red Wings is hardly a novelty. This is, after all, the Talbot pointed to smart decision-making as a big contributor to the third- NHL’s worst team by a country mile. At 16-48-5, they are 21 points period success. behind the Los Angeles Kings, who are second-last. Their goal “We weren’t taking any chances. If we got over the red line and we didn’t differential of -120 is 71 goals worse than the Ottawa Senators, who are see a play, we were getting it deep and we were establishing our the next worst. forecheck, and that’s when we’re at our best. Any time we can get the But what was unique about that victory way back on Oct. 17 is the puck deep, we keep a third guy high at all times, taking away the rush Flames led from wire to wire. opportunities that maybe they were getting a little bit more of in the first and second period. They’re a speedy team up front, so anytime you can Andrew Mangiapane scored at 11:01 of the first period. Elias Lindholm limit a team like that to five shots in the third period, you’re obviously made it 2-0 with a power-play goal 9:45 into the second. After Darren doing something right.” Helm’s goal 28 seconds later cut Detroit’s deficit to one, Sam Bennett’s goal 3:29 into the third restored the two-goal cushion. Derek Ryan and Each team finished with 34 shots. Mark Giordano also added goals. Geoff Ward said the difficulty of this season at home should benefit the Believe it or not, that was the last home game in which Calgary scored Flames in the long run. first and never looked back, not relinquishing the lead the remainder of “It’s paramount that you’re able to deal with adversity,” said the interim the night. head coach. “Last year — and I don’t like talking about last year because It’s a formula that really shouldn’t be all that uncommon. In fact, the it’s in the past — but you need to be battle-tested at this time of year, and Flames followed this exact conventional script in three of their first four I thought things went so well for us wire to wire last year that we really home games, also doing it in a 3-0 win over Vancouver in the home didn’t get a lot of that adversity and become as battle-tested as we’ve opener on Oct. 5, then again in a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia on Oct. had to become this year. 15. “So whenever you get battle-tested like we’ve been doing in these types But in the 28 home games they’ve played since? Not once has the path of hockey games, when there aren’t a lot of games where you’re going to two points been nearly that smooth. wire to wire in the lead, then you get to develop this little bit of skin and you get to develop a mindset that you know you’re OK; you’re still in The latest entry in this tumultuous stretch was a 3-2 win Friday night over control. You do what you need to do to have the response in order to get the Arizona Coyotes in an important Pacific Division clash. the hockey game back under your control. So for us, the fact that we have been battle-tested a lot and we’ve had to come from behind in Before many of the home fans were seated, it was already 1-0 for the games and we have all these things, the adversity that we’ve gone guests when Taylor Hall took a pass from Clayton Keller and whistled a through. We treat it the right way; it makes us better, and I think the guys 25-foot wrist shot past Cam Talbot, just inside the goalpost. have done a really good job of that.” One shot. One goal. Here we go again. Here’s a snapshot of all the holes Calgary has dug through this turbulent “Anytime you get down quick off the bat like that, it’s never how you drew 13-12-3 stretch at the Saddledome, since that mid-October victory over it up,” Talbot said. “But give credit to our guys. There’s no quit in us; we the Red Wings. As you’ll see, not a single low-stress game to be found. go out there, we battle hard. The power play got us a big one, and then Oct. 22, lost 5-3 to Washington | Fell behind 2-0, fought back, but 10 Brods (TJ Brodie) makes a great shot through a bunch of guys.” seconds after Austin Czarnik tied it 2-2, Alex Ovechkin scored the first of Unlike Wednesday night, when giving up the first goal to Columbus three straight for the Capitals. quickly turned into a two-goal deficit, Calgary was able to answer right Oct. 24, won 6-5 vs. Florida (SO) | Calgary took leads of 1-0, 2-1 and 4- back and with an exclamation point. 2, but each time the Panthers clawed back to tie it, and eventually they With Arizona defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin banished for hooking, Johnny took their first lead with five minutes to go in the third before Bennett tied Gaudreau converted a setup from Matthew Tkachuk at 5:54 — one of his it late. Sean Monahan had the deciding goal in the shootout. three helpers on the night — to get the score back to even. Forty-one Nov. 5, won 4-3 vs. Arizona (OT) | Fell behind 2-0 before getting a seconds later, the suddenly hot Brodie made it 2-1 for the Flames when Gaudreau goal late in the second. Down 3-1 late in the third, goals less his point shot eluded Darcy Kuemper. than a minute apart from Tkachuk and Giordano tied it. Tkachuk won it in That’s goals in three consecutive games for Brodie and four on the overtime. season. The soft-spoken defenceman scored just once in the first 60 Nov. 7, won 5-2 vs. New Jersey | Down 1-0 after one, Derek Ryan tied it games. early in the second, but the Devils answered right back. Monahan tied it “They didn’t have the lead for too, too long,” Gaudreau said. “We battled 2-2 at 9:57, and power-play goals from Backlund and Noah Hanifin later back. The power play was huge tonight to tie the game up, and then we in the second gave Calgary a two-goal lead. took off from there.” Nov. 9, lost 3-2 to St. Louis (OT) | After the Flames gave up the first goal Mikael Backlund made it 3-1 at 4:17 of the second before Carl Soderberg three minutes in and fell behind 2-0 in the second, Tkachuk cut it to 2-1 responded at 10:57 to whittle the deficit down to one again. at 10:59 of the third, and Travis Hamonic tied it at 16:04. David Perron won it in extra time. But after getting outshot 21-12 in the second, Calgary did a tremendous job of limiting Arizona’s chances in the third period, with Talbot being Nov. 13, lost 3-1 to Dallas | Scoreless after one, Dallas scored three tested only five times. minutes into the second, then made it 2-0 at 6:38 of the third. Monahan’s PP goal at 9:57 got Calgary on the scoreboard, but Joe Pavelski iced it “I thought we learned from last game,” Backlund said. “Last game, we with an empty-netter. were down — obviously, we were trying maybe a little too much on the Nov. 19, lost 3-2 to Colorado | With the Flames down 2-0 after the first, Feb. 15, lost 8-4 to Chicago | After falling behind 1-0 and 2-1 in the first the deficit grew to 3-0 before Ryan’s goal late in the second. Mangiapane only to tie it both times, the Flames saw a different story play out in the pulled the Flames to within one at 15:44 of the third, but that’s how it second period, as the Blackhawks scored four times to secure a 6-3 lead. ended. Feb. 17, won 6-4 vs. Anaheim | It sounded easier than it was, as the Nov. 30, won 3-1 vs. Ottawa | Dillon Dube’s last first-period goal was the Ducks opened the scoring in the second, took a 2-1 lead into the third only goal until Jean-Gabriel Pageau tied it at 14:49 of the third. Lindholm and made it 3-1 before Calgary roared back with five consecutive goals. scored the winner just over a minute later and added an empty-netter. Feb. 21, lost 4-3 to Boston | Two goals from Backlund made it 2-0 less Dec. 5, won 4-3 vs. Buffalo | It was an early hole once again, as Sam than three minutes in. However, a 3-1 lead was erased before the first Reinhart scored 3:29 into the game. Gaudreau’s PP goal tied it, and period ended. The Bruins took their first lead 52 seconds into the second, Tobias Rieder’s short-handed goal gave Calgary the lead. With the and it ended that way. Flames up 4-1 with less than three minutes remaining, the Sabres’ furious comeback fell one goal short. March 4, won 3-2 vs. Columbus (OT) | The Flames were down 2-0 in the first period, and it remained that way until Lindholm’s goal at 11:14 of the Dec. 7, won 4-3 vs. Los Angeles | The Flames went down 2-0 early on a third. Tkachuk tied it at 18:17, and Brodie notched the overtime winner. pair of Kings PP goals. Milan Lucic and Zac Rinaldo got it back to even, then Monahan gave Calgary its first lead. With Calgary leading 4-2, L.A. March 6, won 3-2 vs. Arizona | Hall scored on the Coyotes’ first shot, but got a goal 5:24 into the third, but the Flames hung on. five minutes later, two quick goals gave Calgary the lead. The visitors cut the deficit to one halfway through the second, but the Flames locked it Dec. 12, won 4-2 vs. Toronto | The Flames fell behind 1-0, then tied it on down in the third. Hamonic’s goal at 16:23 of the first. Down 2-1 entering the third period, Calgary scored three times in the opening three minutes. “The one thing you’ve got to remember about setbacks, or what you might term to be failures, those things really set up your blueprint to gain Dec. 14, lost 4-0 to Carolina | With the game scoreless halfway through experience, and when you stick with it long enough, they teach you how the second, the visitors scored just over a minute apart to surge in front to be successful,” Ward said. “So I think we welcome those moments 2-0. A short-handed goal late in the third made it 3-0 for the Hurricanes, over the course of the season. We’ve certainly talked about them an who tacked on an empty-netter. awful lot. It’s nice to see that we’re starting to get on the positive end of those tight situations, and it’s at the right time.” Dec. 17, lost 4-1 to Pittsburgh | Gaudreau scored the only goal of the first, as Calgary scored the opening goal at home for the first time in Talbot agreed that while not ideal, Calgary’s handling of early deficits nearly two months. But in the second, the Penguins got goals less than over the previous two nights — the patience against the Blue Jackets, two minutes apart. The visitors put the game on ice with two empty- the quick response against the Coyotes — demonstrates that the team is netters. learning, which is a good thing.

Dec. 19, lost 4-3 to Montreal | Wait, what? The Flames jumped out to a “Obviously, you don’t want that adversity. You’d rather come out and 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. But the Canadiens tied it in the second. After start on the right foot, but to have that kind of pushback the last two Oliver Kylington gave Calgary the lead again 6:25 into the third, the Habs games and know that when we’re down we’re not out is huge for our tied it again. Max Domi got the winner in OT. mindset moving forward, especially at home, where obviously we had a bit of a tough stretch there, but we seem to have turned it around now.” Dec. 29, lost 5-2 to Vancouver | The Canucks chased David Rittich with three goals on seven shots in the first period, and that would be the After consecutive wins to open this five-game homestand, after a two- game. The Flames twice cut the deficit to two goals but didn’t get any and-a-half-month stretch in which Calgary sported the worst home record closer. in the league — even worse than the Red Wings — the Flames will look to make it three victories in a row at home and four straight overall Dec. 31, lost 5-3 to Chicago | More early troubles as Calgary fell behind against Vegas on Sunday night. 3-0 in the first once again. Down 4-0, Bennett scored with six seconds left in the second, and the home side scored twice more in the final five Sitting third in the Pacific, Calgary has climbed within one point of the minutes of the third, but too little, too late. Edmonton Oilers and is just three points back of the division-leading Golden Knights. Vegas is also in Calgary on April 2. Jan. 2, won 4-3 vs. NY Rangers | Backlund’s three-on-five goal made it 2-0 at 7:16 of the first, but on the same man advantage, two New York “We closed the gap on the division lead. We still play them two more PP goals 25 seconds apart tied it. Calgary retook the lead, but the times, but Sunday is going to be the biggest one of the year, by far,” Rangers tied it again. Monahan’s GWG came at 8:22 of the second. Tkachuk said.

Jan. 9, won 2-1 vs. Minnesota | The Flames took a 1-0 lead into the second, only to see it erased on Mats Zuccarello’s goal in the opening minute. Gaudreau’s goal at 9:38 of the middle frame stood up as the The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 winner.

Jan. 11, won 4-3 vs. Edmonton | A 1-0 early lead was erased shortly by two Oilers goals. After Gaudreau tied it in the final minute of the first, Edmonton retook the lead early in the second. The score was tied 3-3 after two, and Lindholm notched the winner 39 seconds into the third.

Jan. 28, lost 5-4 to St. Louis (SO) | After falling behind 1-0, Calgary grabbed a 2-1 lead, only to give up two goals late in the first to fall behind 3-2. The Flames scored twice in the second to take their second lead, but the Blues tied it early in the third.

Feb. 1, lost 8-3 to Edmonton | Calgary was down 2-0 just 65 seconds into the game. The Flames trailed 4-1 in the second when goals from Tkachuk and Lindholm cut the deficit to 4-3, but Edmonton scored twice more before the period ended and coasted from there.

Feb. 4, lost 3-1 to San Jose | The Flames struck first on Gaudreau’s PP goal 59 seconds into the second, but the Sharks tied it less than three minutes later and took the lead shortly after that. The visitors added one more in the third.

Feb. 6, lost 3-2 to Nashville | It was a dream start, as Bennett gave Calgary a 1-0 lead 33 seconds in. But Nashville tied it just over a minute later and took the lead for good at 11:43 of the first. Down 3-1, Calgary pulled within one halfway through the second, but that’s how it ended. 1180144 Carolina Hurricanes

Trocheck scores in OT, lifts Hurricanes over Islanders 3-2

Staff Report

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MARCH 07, 2020 10:46 PM

UNIONDALE, N.Y.

Vincent Trocheck scored early in overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak, beating the New York Islanders 3-2 Saturday.

Trocheck notched his first goal with the Hurricanes on a power play 1:36 into the extra session, sending the Islanders to their sixth loss in a row.

During a scramble in front of the New York net, Trocheck knocked the puck past goaltender Thomas Greiss after teammate Andrei Svechnikov appeared to possibly tap the puck off the crossbar with a high stick.

The goal was confirmed after a lengthy review by the officials. It looked as though Svechnikov’s stick was above the crossbar, but the league ruled his stick was below his shoulders and therefore a good goal.

“I was feeling like I wasn’t getting any bounces those first few games,” said Trocheck, acquired from Florida on Feb. 24. “To finally get one and for it to be an OT winner definitely something I’ll remember.”

The win kept Carolina two points back of the Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets, who occupy the two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.

“Every shift matters,” Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “It’s all coming down to details and those little things that we’re talking about. The shot blocks and they all get magnified this time of year.”

Josh Bailey tied the game at 2 for the Islanders with just under five minutes to play in the third period. Noah Dobson took a shot that goalie Anton Forsberg kicked away, but the rebound went right to Bailey for the goal.

Forsberg made 24 saves for the Hurricanes as he picked up his first win of the season. Ryan Pulock also scored for New York and Greiss made 25 saves.

“I thought we played hard, I thought we played a pretty fully 60,” Bailey said. “We just fell a little short. Not sure about the goal in overtime.”

Haydn Fleury opened the scoring at 13:22 of the first period. The Carolina defenseman beat Greiss on his glove side for his fifth goal of the season and second in three games.

Pulock tied the game with a shot from the point 5:15 into the second. Anders Lee stripped Brady Skjei of the puck in the corner to set Pulock up for the one-timer from just inside the faceoff circle. Pulock scored in his third straight game.

News Observer LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180145 Carolina Hurricanes

Hurricanes recall Morgan Geekie from Checkers

BY STAFF REPORT

MARCH 07, 2020 06:34 PM

The Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday recalled forward Morgan Geekie from the Charlotte Checkers of the .

Geekie, 21, could make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Canes face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a road game. Geekie has 22 goals and 20 assists in 55 games for the Checkers this season.

Geekie, listed at 6-2 and 192 pounds, was a third-round pick by the Canes in the 2017 NHL Draft and has played 128 games in two seasons for the Checkers, with 41 goals and 47 assists. He had 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in the Checkers’ 19-game run to the 2019 Calder Cup championship.

News Observer LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180146 Carolina Hurricanes preventing a loss. As critical as I’ve been about McGinn’s contract, if he can teach Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas the value of playing ugly, then it pays off.

‘I loved everything about that game’: Canes play ugly to snap winless • I cannot let this game go without mentioning that noted laser goal streak scorer Haydn Fleury led all skaters in five-on-five time on ice. All skaters. All of them. He has deserved a spot in the NHL for probably two years, but the Hurricanes’ blue line was stacked. Then he played like four minutes a game and one time went out for one shift and was benched. By Sara Civian How is he going to be his best self under those circumstances? As much Mar 7, 2020 as the injuries to Brett Pesce and Dougie Hamilton have cost the Canes, as least Fleury is living up to what many said he wouldn’t based off nothing.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The oft-referenced “Your best players have to be • Anton Forsberg? Not bad. your best players” cliche is usually true when a pattern of uninspiring offense plagues a team. It holds up when an expensive goalie is • The Hurricanes recalled Checkers center Morgan Geekie after the underperforming. And it’s not like the Hurricanes had been lighting up the game. We’ll find out the reason on Sunday, but front-office sources have scoreboard or protecting the net particularly well through their four-game said since the beginning of last year that they take Geekie seriously as winless streak, but you got the sense a larger, team-wide issue was at someone who could have an impact in the NHL one day. That’s sort of hand. why they’ve let him quietly develop in the AHL. The crux of such conversations with the front office is that executives don’t pay attention to It’d been elucidated in things that don’t really matter until they do — like points with their developing players. They obviously have a different set six straight opening goals allowed, a defensive lapse happening just of analytics anyway — The Athletic’s Justin Bourne just brilliantly touched when a dangerous player happened to be in a scoring position, on that. “bounces” not going a team’s way. • Brind’Amour, who has never lied about a call he’s disagreed with, Head coach Rod Brind’Amour had been calling the general bad vibes weighed in on Trocheck’s overtime winner, which maybe could’ve been “taking a breath at the wrong time,” and he wasn’t wrong. It’s just that the prevented had the refs called the high stick on Svechnikov before the vagueness was troubling. How does he fix something like that when it play. “I was pretty sure we were going to get it,” Brind’Amour said. “It was seems like a combination of bad luck and incompetence? definitely not one of those obvious ones one way or the other, but we were preparing for, OK, if it doesn’t happen, what do we do? We were We found out the answer Saturday afternoon, as the Hurricanes grinded getting ready for that.” That’s when you know he sees the other side. out an ugly 3-2 overtime win over the Islanders. There’s no right time to take a breath. The margin for breathing doesn’t exist.

“Other than a few teams, everybody is grinding for playoffs. Everybody is The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 doing it. I don’t see any game being any different,” Justin Williams said. “Certainly for us. If we let up a little bit, we’ll be left behind.”

The Canes proved there’s a fix for “breathing at the wrong time.” It’s not pretty, it’s not easy, and as Jordan Staal said in Philadelphia, it’s certainly not toe-dragging.

Sometimes their best players have to be their best players.

Sometimes Brock McGinn has to be Brock McGinn.

“So, that’s the game for me, that sequence in the second period,” Brind’Amour said. “They get back in the game, and then we’re on the kill for what felt like forever. We’re blocking shots, (Jordan Staal) got one, lose a stick. It was a whole comedy of errors there for a little while. But we were able to hunker down and at least get it done.”

“Oh, he’s a stud,” Vincent Trocheck said of McGinn. “He works his ass off every single game, every single shift. It was no surprise that he was out there blocking shots.”

Said Williams: “You know what you’re getting out of Brock every night. He’s gonna put his body on the line. He’s gonna work. There’s nothing by chance — he’s all heart. Obviously, he’s a big part of our PK and a big part of our team.”

We all think our dramatic thoughts in real time and edit them a few hours after any given game, right? After that sequence, I thought, “If they don’t win this for Brock, I’m not sure about the fight in this team.”

But to me, at least, it seemed they all thought the same thing. They were probably thinking that since the second that game in Philly ended, though. We all saw Sebastian Aho body a few folks early on. Then Ryan Dzingel looking for a fight all night — even before the McGinn sequence — was sort of an indicator.

“I mean, I just love the fight, I love Dzingel dropping the gloves, I loved the PK blocking shots, I loved our battle level,” Williams said. “I loved everything about that game. Can we do some things a little bit better? Yes. Play a little better with the lead? Yes. But we grinded it out, and that’s a big one.”

Brind’Amour called the 4-1 loss to the Flyers “another lesson,” and I wondered how fast they could learn it. Maybe “live every day like you’re Brock McGinn on the penalty kill” is the lesson for a team with young stars — it doesn’t have to be the perfect goal, and it doesn’t have to be a goal at all. It does have to be the perfect blocked shot and about 1180147 Chicago Blackhawks

Jeremy Colliton wise to reserve Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane nuclear line for desperate times

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Mar 7, 2020, 5:58pm CST

DETROIT — Knowing whether the Blackhawks are winning or losing doesn’t require a scoreboard whenever Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane appear together in five-on-five play.

In that case, they’re definitely losing.

Coach Jeremy Colliton typically only has used the superstar forwards together in desperate times. True to form, the Toews-Kane ‘‘nuclear line’’ made its first extended appearance in a while in the Hawks’ sloppy 2-1 loss Friday against the woeful Red Wings.

Toews and Kane spent the latter part of the second period and most of the third period together.

Their presence was notable only because Colliton has deployed them together so rarely this season.

At five-on-five, Kane and Toews have spent only 261 minutes together — under four minutes per game. Kane has been one of Toews’ two most common wingers in only seven games, and five of those were in the season’s first month. Dominik Kubalik, by comparison, has been one of Toews’ two most common wingers for 39 consecutive games.

It’s certainly exciting to dream about the dominance of that duo, and Toews and Kane do produce a lot of offense — which is why Colliton sometimes turns to them when trailing. With them both on the ice, the Hawks have outscored opponents 19-10 and generated an average of 32.0 scoring chances per 60 minutes, more than they do when just Toews or just Kane (or neither, for that matter) is playing.

The negative effect of their union on the rest of the Hawks’ scoring depth and line trios, however, is significant enough to justify starting — and usually keeping — them apart.

Against the Wings, once Kane moved into the first line, the Hawks rotated Kubalik and Brandon Saad in and out of the other wing slot. Kubalik also took a few shifts with Dylan Strome and Ryan Carpenter; Saad took a few shifts with Strome and Alex Nylander.

In other words, Kane’s promotion scrambled the rest of the depth chart into chaos. If done full-time, Colliton would need to create more stable second and third trios, and none of the options is promising.

The Hawks have too many players who work best as complementary pieces next to a star — Kubalik, Drake Caggiula, even Saad to some extent — and not many who can create their own chances.

With Kirby Dach still developing, Strome struggling defensively and Carpenter unable to contribute much offensively, the Hawks also don’t have the center depth beneath Toews to justify using Kane — the one player guaranteed to make any of those centers look good — on Toews’ line.

Plus, even the Toews-Kane duo has its weaknesses, namely in its own end. The Hawks allow 33.1 opponent scoring chances per 60 minutes when both players are on the ice, more than when either one plays without the other — essentially the same effect as stated before but reversed.

That makes the decision to preserve that stacked first line for last-gasp periods, when the Hawks need a goal at all costs, seem wise.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180148 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.08.2020

njuries disrupt encouraging stretches for Blackhawks rookie defensemen Adam Boqvist and Lucas Carlsson

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Mar 7, 2020, 6:55am CST

DETROIT — March was shaping up to be a big month for the Blackhawks’ two rookie defensemen.

Then injuries struck at the worst time.

In his fifth NHL game, Lucas Carlsson took a deflected shot to the side of his head Thursday against the Oilers and suffered a concussion.

Adam Boqvist, meanwhile, was a late scratch for the Hawks’ game Friday against the Red Wings with an injury to his right wrist.

The Hawks were forced to deploy seventh defenseman Nick Seeler and emergency call-up Dennis Gilbert.

In the short term, it isn’t a devastating blow — although the Hawks temporarily have four defensemen on the shelf, with Brent Seabrook and Calvin de Haan done for the season. But it is an untimely disruption to Carlsson’s and Boqvist’s development curves. After all, both were playing excellent hockey.

‘‘He can pass the puck,’’ Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said of Carlsson before he was hurt Thursday. ‘‘He moves it well. He’s confident with it, which helps. It gives yourself [an] out of the D-zone [and] creates good situations for people you’re on the ice with.’’

Colliton unintentionally passed the injury curse to Boqvist by complimenting him Friday.

‘‘He’s been . . . comfortable with the puck, making a lot of plays,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘Him and [Duncan Keith], both on the breakouts and on the offensive blue line, are doing a very good job. But it’s also how you defend. If you defend well and close quick and are able to get stops in the D-zone and [keep a] tight gap on the rush and defend against entries, then you have the puck a lot more and it’s easier to play.’’

The latter part of that quote was a reference to a turnover by Boqvist in the third period against the Oilers, which led to a goal against and a temporary in-game benching.

But Boqvist had two assists earlier in the game to run his streak to five points (all assists) in his last three games.

He also had dominated in the possession stats in his last four games. The Hawks had produced 58 shot attempts and 32 scoring chances with him on the ice and had allowed only 45 and 22, respectively.

‘‘I’m just finding my way, getting back in my game,’’ Boqvist said. ‘‘I struggled a little bit there before these four or five games. And obviously we’re . . . playing good and creating a lot in the offensive zone.’’

Finding his way has included unleashing his offensive instincts, which he had curtailed while cementing his roster spot but which have begun to re- enter his game.

‘‘I have more confidence now,’’ Boqvist said. ‘‘When you’re up for the first time, you don’t want to do any mistake, you don’t want to get sent down. . . . But now I feel like I’ve been up for a while, so I can take the next step in my NHL career.’’

Carlsson quickly had demonstrated the same puck-moving traits in his first few appearances. He consistently had kept his head up — literally — and maintained the poise that made a star at Rockford in recent seasons.

He made a beautiful transition breakout pass to wing Patrick Kane to earn his first NHL point Tuesday against the Ducks.

‘‘I feel pretty good,’’ Carlsson said before getting hurt Thursday. ‘‘It’s a lot of new things when I came here, new team and everything, but it feels good.’’

Late Thursday, however, his adjustment had been put on hold. A night later, Boqvist joined him in that department. 1180149 Chicago Blackhawks

Report: NHL to close team dressing rooms to media Saturday due to coronavirus concerns

By Scott King

March 07, 2020 12:41 PM

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Twitter Saturday afternoon the NHL will be closing team dressing rooms beginning immediately to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

There have been more than 100,000 cases of coronavirus around the world with 340 reported cases and 14 deaths in the US.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180150 Chicago Blackhawks Kate planned on playing college soccer, but injured her knee her junior year of high school. She began writing for the school paper her senior year and became the sports editor, covering every sport.

Kate Scott ready to call monumental Blackhawks-Blues game on Sunday Scott did a sports highlight show at Cal and took on all kinds of TV and radio internships. Her first pro gig came when an opportunity for a traffic reporter opened up at a Bay Area radio station and she'd fill in for sports at odd times, including one Christmas morning shift beginning at 5 a.m. By Scott King Later, her producer from the Cal highlight show presented her with an March 06, 2020 8:42 PM opportunity to do play-by-play for high school football. The rest is history.

The challenge of calling the speedy game of hockey helped Kate Sports broadcaster Kate Scott has a big night ahead of her in the booth remember it has always had a special place in her heart. at the United Center on Sunday. Not only will she play a vital role in the As a young girl, Scott would go with her dad to watch the Fresno Falcons first ever all-female broadcast of an NHL game, but she'll also be calling play. The team was in the Pacific Southwest Hockey League and the hockey for the first time when the Blackhawks take on the St. Louis West Coast Hockey League before they joined the East Coast Hockey Blues. League in their final years from 2003-2008. "I always said it was the hardest sport to call," the Fresno, Calif. native "My dad and I would go as often as possible," she said. "It felt like we said. "And I always said that I would never call it when people asked me were there almost every weekend. It was our thing. He would get cheap if I would do it." beers and let me go down between periods because the guys walked off The significance of the broadcast and the thrill of the challenge changed in an area where we could high-five them or get autographs. her mind. "And after going for a couple years, all the guys knew me and were Scott will be joined by U.S. Olympic gold medalists Kendall Coyne- wondering who this little girl is that knows all of our names and they were Schofield and AJ Mleczko, who will serve as analysts on the NBC Sports giving me pucks and sticks and stuff. So that was kind of my first broadcast of the contest. Sportscaster Kathryn Tappen and three-time experience with hockey and I loved it." Canadian Olympic gold medalist Jen Botterill will anchor from the studio Kate has been tirelessly preparing for her first hockey call. She ran three with producer Rene Hatlelid and director Lisa Seltzer leading the game practice games at arenas, including an 11-goal outing when the Blues production. beat the Blackhawks 6-5 in St. Louis recently. She's recorded other Blues At first, Kate was concerned Sunday's groundbreaking telecast would be and Hawks games, muting the TV to do play-by-play over them; she's perceived as a publicity stunt when she was asked to do it back in regularly read offerings from both Chicago and St. Louis beat writers; her January. NBC presented the big picture to her and she was on board. eyes have been glued to the NHL Network and her ears to Sirius XM's NHL channel. "We want to make a very visible statement that young girls can do whatever they want when it comes to the sport of hockey," an NBC Despite the thorough and meticulous preparation, it was advice from employee told her. "Because you all are already doing it. seven-time Emmy-winning hockey play-by-play announcer Mike 'Doc' Emrick that calmed her nerves during a practice game at the United "So we understand that it may seem a little bit weird and that it may seem Center in early February. a little bit stunty, but we think it's really important, especially on such a greatly timed day, like International Women's Day." "He's a legend. He's so awesome," Scott said of Emrick.

What she heard made sense and depicted the merit of the staffing "He said, 'Kate, I want you to know something, had called decision. one hockey game, period, before he called the Olympics. He called one. But just in the same way that he was then, you are a professional play- "Hearing them say that really made me understand that, OK, this is a big by-play announcer. You call all the other sports, you know how to prep. deal," Scott said. "And I should say, 'Yes,' because it is really important. I agree with that. "You know exactly what you need to know to be prepared and to sound like a professional on those broadcasts. You're going to do the exact "It really inspires young kids when they see people who look like them same thing for this. NBC wanted you for a reason. So you already have and sound like them doing something, that really, for a lot of people, is the foundation. the first time that they think to themselves, 'Wow, maybe that's something that I can do.' "If you have any questions about the specifics of this sport, ask me, ask anybody else and we will help you. And come March 8th, you're going to "I think it's really important for young boys to see women in positions of be prepared and you're going to have a great time because you are a confidence and power and doing things that, again, usually they see men professional play-by-play announcer.' doing, just to give them that slightly different perspective." "And that just kind of blew me away, right?" Scott said. "I'm almost Since graduating from UC Berkeley in 2005, Kate has wasted no time in getting chills again just repeating that story back to you." compiling an impressive body of work which includes sideline reporting for MLS that won her a local Emmy in Northern California. She's also Kate hopes to live her dream of calling the Olympics and a World Cup done play-by-play for men and women's college basketball, men and but would be thrilled if hockey remained a part of her career. women's soccer, volleyball, softball and San Francisco 49ers preseason "I just love the speed, I love the pace," she said. "I love the teamwork. It's games. one of the reasons that soccer was the sport I played the most growing Now, Scott has worked five-plus years with Pac-12 calling college up. Because you can have a superstar like a (Jonathan) Toews or a football and has been wearing different hats with NBC Sports for three- (Patrick ) Kane and they can be great and be magical at certain plus years. moments, but it's really hard to win a game if they're the only one on the ice who's playing well. The career path was destined for Kate. She grew up loving sports, all of them. "Hockey is a team sport and I love team sports. Anybody can rise up at any moment. Some days you need that to be a goalie, some days you "I have loved every sport since I was a little girl," she said. need that to be your blueliners, some days you need that to be your superstars. But it has been really cool getting to know the NHL and the She's not exaggerating. sport of hockey again these last couple months. "I remember, vividly, watching a lot of sailing, a lot of bowling, a lot of "So, yeah, fingers crossed that things go well on Sunday. And if that Aussie rules football, because that was all ESPN had at the time," Scott leads to more opportunities in the future, I can't wait." said. "You know, in the 80s and early 90s."

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Source: Blackhawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov to sign PTO with IceHogs

By Scott Powers

Mar 7, 2020

The Blackhawks were already going to have some goaltending decisions to make this offseason, so what’s one more to add to the list?

The Blackhawks made one decision by dealing Robin Lehner, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, at the trade deadline. They still have to decide whether to re-sign Corey Crawford, another upcoming unrestricted free agent, and restricted free agents Kevin Lankinen and Malcolm Subban. The Blackhawks also have to decide before June 1 whether to sign goalie prospect Alexis Gravel, a 2018 sixth-round pick who is playing in the QMJHL.

And now there will also likely be a decision to be made on goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov. Little has been heard of Nalimov in recent years while he’s been playing in Russia, but he is expected to sign a professional tryout agreement with the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, in the coming days, according to a source.

The Blackhawks drafted Nalimov in the sixth round in 2014 and have continued to hold his NHL rights because there is not a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia. Nalimov, 25, has played in the KHL over the past six seasons. After this past season playing with Sochi in the KHL, he became a free agent again, giving him the opportunity to discuss his options with the Blackhawks.

Nalimov’s play in the KHL has varied over the years. There have been times when he’s been among the league’s top goaltenders. He had a .938 save percentage in 23 games during the 2017-18 season, and there was some talk about his possibly signing with the Blackhawks. He remained in the KHL and had a .917 save percentage in 18 games last season and a .911 save percentage in 24 games this season. He did get a chance to start consistently late this season and stopped 271 of 295 shots for a .928 save percentage in his last nine games.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman was asked about Nalimov during the 2017-18 season and praised his potential.

“He’s got a ton of talent,” Bowman said then. “He’s a big guy, so as a goaltender that’s sort of the No. 1 thing. You can’t only be big, but when you’re that size and you’ve got mobility, he’s not just tall, he’s a big man. I think as a result he covers a lot of the net just standing there.”

Ultimately, there’s no risk for the Blackhawks to bring Nalimov over now on a PTO. Blackhawks goalie development coach Peter Aubry can work with him and assess his game. Nalimov could get into a game or two depending on how he looks and where the IceHogs are in the playoff race, but the team doesn’t have to guarantee that.

As of now, the only goalies the Blackhawks have signed for next season are Collin Delia and Matt Tomkins, the IceHogs’ current tandem. Delia has been getting most of the starts in Rockford lately.

Could Nalimov fit into the Blackhawks’ long-term plans? Who knows? He’s certainly shown enough in Russia to give him a closer look and figure that out.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180152 Chicago Blackhawks During that first long stretch, David Kampf had a chance to cleanly exit but flipped the puck out of the defensive zone without much pressure and gave the Red Wings the puck back. Then Olli Maatta missed his target, Slater Koekkoek chipped the puck out, Kirby Dach had a pass stolen, How exactly did the Blackhawks lose to the last-place Red Wings? Alex DeBrincat knocked the puck out of the zone, the Red Wings jumped an attempted pass along the boards and kept control, and Duncan Keith

missed Patrick Kane on a pass. By Scott Powers Here’s an example of the Blackhawks struggling to get the puck out of Mar 7, 2020 the defensive zone:

Some of the Blackhawks’ issues exiting the zone fell on the defensemen. Keith was the only one consistently moving the puck up ice. Maatta Everything was set up for the Blackhawks to really go on a run and make especially struggled for a lot of the game to connect passes, making his a push for the playoffs. 30.43 Corsi percentage understandable.

They knocked off the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Here’s a sequence in which the Blackhawks gave up the puck a few Ducks and Edmonton Oilers in consecutive games. They were especially times with Maatta and Koekkoek on the ice together: dominant at times against the Ducks and Oilers. They were exiting the puck with ease, creating clean entries, getting production up and down Here’s another one in which Maatta gave away the puck: the line and playing the type of team game they’ve been unable to The Blackhawks forwards weren’t perfect themselves. The Red Wings consistently see this season. got inside position on the Blackhawks forwards several times along the After the Blackhawks defeated the Oilers on Thursday, everyone had boards and were able to intercept passes in the defensive zone. If the them penciled in for a win against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. The Blackhawks forwards could have found a way to advance that puck, it Red Wings had won just 15 games, including 12 regulation games, all could have led to some odd-man chances. season. They had played better as of late, but they were the type of The Blackhawks’ inability to get the puck through the neutral zone opponent the Blackhawks needed to take care of business against if their obviously made an impact on how much time they spent defending and playoff dreams were to become a reality. working to get the puck back. But by not even dumping the puck into the So how did that dream become a nightmare and the Blackhawks have offensive zone, the Blackhawks failed to put forecheck pressure on the their playoff chances greatly diminished (they went from 12 percent to 5 Red Wings and create offense from turnovers. It’s something the percent in The Athletic’s model) with a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings? I Blackhawks did to begin the third period, and it led to the Red Wings rewatched Friday’s game and broke down what exactly went wrong. having just four seconds of offensive-zone time in the first 4:22.

1. The Blackhawks’ problems started even before the game, as 3. Despite the Blackhawks’ five-on-five play, the game was still there for defensemen Lucas Carlsson (concussion protocol) and Adam Boqvist the taking. Corey Crawford was up for the challenge again, even playing (wrist) were unable to play. The Blackhawks obviously shouldn’t fold in both games of the back-to-back. The goals scored Friday weren’t his because two rookie defensemen are out of the lineup, but Carlsson and fault. The game could have been decided by the Blackhawks’ power Boqvist have played key roles in the team’s recent success. They move play, but it was a nonfactor. the puck and create offense better than nearly any of the Blackhawks The Blackhawks had two power-play chances in the first period. On the defensemen. Boqvist had compiled five points in his last three games. first one, the top unit was on the ice for the entire time and had one shot Carlsson was playing in just his fifth NHL game Thursday, but he had attempt, a Duncan Keith chance from the point. The Red Wings cleared made the transition better than any of the Blackhawks’ prospects this the puck three times on the first one. On the second one, the Blackhawks season because of the way he moves the puck and thinks the game. had two attempts and Keith again had the only shot on goal. The second Colliton had to go to Nick Seeler and Dennis Gilbert in their places. Both unit came on for the final 36 seconds and didn’t do anything. defensemen’s analytics have been awful this season. They entered the Here are the Red Wings aggressively defending Kane and trying to take game with the Blackhawks’ two worst expected goal percentages (Seeler away his time and space: at 37.63 and Gilbert at 40.41). On the third power play in the third period, the Blackhawks had two shots With the Blackhawks down two more defensemen, it’s hard to criticize on goal. Keith had one off a faceoff win, and then Jonathan Toews had them too much about the defenseman depth. They were technically down one from the high slot. The second unit came on with 59 seconds four defensemen with Brent Seabrook and Calvin de Haan out for the remaining and failed to enter the zone and control the puck. season. But still, you have to wonder how different this season might have been if they had kept Henri Jokiharju. They probably should have The Red Wings did a good job of taking away Kane and Dominik Kubalik, given Philip Holm an NHL look before he decided to return to Europe. but the Blackhawks have to find ways to create more off three power Instead, they gave Gilbert too much of an opportunity and he was plays. Kubalik was quiet for much of the game in all situations. inconsistent. 4. The Blackhawks also simply didn’t convert the quality chances they did Against the Red Wings, Seeler was fine. He didn’t necessarily help the have, unlike the Oilers’ game. Blackhawks a whole lot, but he didn’t appear to hurt them, either. He and Connor Murphy had a couple of longer shifts in which they spent time in None was probably better than Alex DeBrincat’s opportunity in the the defensive zone. opening minute.

As for Gilbert, his analytics were pretty good, but this is where the Kirby Dach thought he scored, but he hit a post. Dylan Strome had a numbers and the eye test have come into play. Gilbert nearly cost the pretty good one on the following play, too. Blackhawks a few times with his puck decisions in the defensive zone. Kane helped create that chance for Strome. Kane, DeBrincat, Toews and It’s ultimately where he needs to improve if he’s going to be a consistent Brandon Saad were the Blackhawks’ best forwards in the game. They NHL player. had some chances. Kane nearly connected with Toews on this pass: This clip includes three examples of Gilbert turnovers: 5. This is nitpicking and completely hypothetical, but Blackhawks coach 2. Puck management wasn’t just an issue for Gilbert, though. It was a Jeremy Colliton could have been more aggressive pulling Crawford in the teamwide issue. As crisp and clean as the Blackhawks were with the final minutes. puck against the Oilers, they were just the opposite for long stretches The Blackhawks had possession of the puck in their defensive zone against the Red Wings. without pressure with about three minutes left in the third period. With the The Blackhawks didn’t have possession of the puck in the offensive zone way the game was going, no one would have blamed Colliton for pulling for a stretch of 2:13 early in the first period, another stretch of 2:42 early Crawford then. The Blackhawks had struggled to score all game, and in the second period and another one of 1:30 late in the third period. they needed to tie it. If the Red Wings score an empty-netter quickly, so Those were the long stretches, but there were plenty of shorter ones, too. be it. Colliton kept Crawford in, though, and it wasn’t until closer to the two- minute mark that Crawford finally came out. DeBrincat had a quality look late, but the Blackhawks couldn’t find the equalizer.

With the loss, the Blackhawks’ playoff chances are pretty slim again. With 14 games remaining, they’re now trailing the second wild-card spot by six points and would have to jump four teams to get there.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180153 Colorado Avalanche Denver Post: LOADED: 03.08.2020

Chambers: San Jose coronavirus warning won’t stop Avalanche from playing Sharks

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 10:10 p.m.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — My first and only earthquake experience was on May 13, 2002, during the third period of an Avalanche playoff game at what was then named Compaq Center. Optimistically, my only legitimate coronavirus scare will be Sunday inside the same building, when the Avs face the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center.

The game must go on, the Sharks say, despite public health officials urging residents to avoid large gatherings because of the relatively high amount of coronavirus cases in the area.

“COVID-19 is spreading in our community, the extent of which is unclear. It has likely been spreading for weeks, perhaps months,” San Mateo County Health Officer Scott Morrow was quoted in The Mercury News. “We now all need to take assertive actions to inhibit the spread of this new virus.”

I’m not afraid. Just curious how this will all shake out at the “Shark Tank.”

SAP Center attendance Sunday is expected to be smaller than Saturday’s NHL game with the Ottawa Senators in town, and even smaller than Thursday’s season-low 14,517 against the visiting Minnesota Wild. The game against Colorado concludes San Jose’s six- game homestand, and the Sharks won’t play their next homestand until March 19 — two days after they complete a four-game road trip against the Avs in Denver.

The Mercury News wrote Friday that officials declared a local emergency as part of their response to the virus and restricted nonessential travel by city employees through the end of April.

Locker-room ban. The NHL is taking its own steps with COVID-19, including forbidding media like me from entering the locker room(s) until further notice. No problem. We’ll just conduct our interviews in a hallway outside the room or a formal press-conference setting. But that’s definitely not the ideal way to go about our business and present our stories to readers.

Locker-room access is vital for beat writers to establish relationships and trust with players. A player who feels comfortable with a journalist is going to help tell a more interesting story. And that type of story usually comes from a one-on-one interview.

Let’s hope COVID-19 and the NHL’s protective steps go away by the playoffs next month.

Benched, then scratched. During a time the injury-depleted Avalanche is playing with its B-team, 6-foot-6 defenseman Nikita Zadorov, a former first-round draft pick (by Buffalo), has found a way to become a healthy scratch for the second time this season. Zadorov, who is the Avs’ third highest-paid defenseman at $3.2 million, was a healthy scratch in Friday’s 6-3 loss at Vancouver.

Zadorov, 24, was benched before he was scratched. He played a season-low 7:58 and was minus-3 in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to visiting Anaheim. He was on the ice for the Ducks’ three regulation goals — two scored from atop the crease and the other from the right circle in an obvious defensive breakdown — and was then benched for the second half of the game.

Avalanche has 9 straight road wins. No NHL team has done that and won the Stanley Cup.

Zadorov’s future with the Avs beyond the upcoming playoffs is in question because he’s a pending restricted free agent who will probably want a raise for next season and beyond. The Avs, however, will probably argue that his inconsistency calls for lesser money.

The pluses and minuses of Zadorov’s game will probably end up in the hands of an arbitrator. Or he’ll get traded. 1180154 Colorado Avalanche Sharks coach Bob Boughner was an assistant when Donskoi signed with the team. He said the winger stood out during the team’s 2015 development camp. Months later, he returned for the team’s training camp that September. Boughner said Donskoi had a “great camp” and ‘It’s going to be emotional’: Avs’ Joonas Donskoi makes way back to San “great preseason,” which led to him earning a spot on the team as a Jose rookie.

That season, Donskoi finished with 36 points over 76 games while also having six goals and 12 points across 24 playoff games to help the By Ryan S. Clark Sharks reach the Stanley Cup final. Mar 7, 2020 “I don’t think there were any promises made to him back then. He had to earn it,” Boughner said. “It’s a guy that just I know he had success back in Europe, and when he came here, he made the most of it. He was just VANCOUVER — He has never claimed to have all the answers yet there a strong guy, a powerful guy and a guy that you could put up and down was a time when Joonas Donskoi had more questions than solutions. the lineup. We used him all over the lineup.”

The Florida Panthers used a fourth-round pick on him in 2010 but both Goaltender Aaron Dell, a former teammate, describes Donskoi as sides never agreed to an entry-level contract. He submitted his name for someone who was popular within the dressing room while also being one the 2012 NHL Draft only to go unselected. Going through such an of the funnier personalities on the team. experience — especially at such a young stage in his professional career — made him wonder whether he would remain in Finland and play in the “The Finnish guys are always really nice,” Dell said. “He’s a little bit for the rest of his life. different, which is kind of what made him, him. He fit in well here. I think we have a lot of strong personalities, a lot of really unique personalities. “But the Sharks saw something in me and they decided to sign me as a That really helped while he was here.” free agent,” Donskoi recalled. “I’m going to be forever grateful for that chance they gave me to become an NHL player. They gave me a fair Donskoi is having a similar effect on his new teammates in Denver. His chance to play on good lines. Even my rookie season, I was playing with stall at the team’s practice facility is near what is one of the most (Joe Thornton) and (Joe Pavelski) and those guys and they gave me a gregarious sections of the dressing room next to Bellemare, Matt Calvert good chance to play. We made it to the (Stanley Cup) finals my first year, and former Sharks winger and well-noted Long Beach native Matt Nieto. so there’s a lot of good memories in San Jose.” Donskoi always has a smile on his face whether he is the one leading those conversations or simply listening. This is the answer Donskoi gave when asked to describe what it meant to play in San Jose. Something the Avalanche’s leadership core has sought to do is for the dressing room to feel like a welcoming place for new players who can be Playing hockey, however, was just one piece of what made living in the themselves. Bay Area special. He was a young man from a Finnish town so small that Raahe’s entire population could fit inside Levi’s Stadium and still have a “Yeah, we grind each other’s gears a lot of times but we love everybody little more than 43,000 seats remaining. It allowed him to experience for being different. We allow everybody to be different,” Avalanche American culture. To see what a new nation had to offer all while meeting captain and star left winger Gabriel Landeskog said. “It’d be a boring his fiancee. workplace if everyone was the exact same. Wherever you’ve been or wherever you are coming from, we want you to feel comfortable. At the Sunday has the capacity to be an emotional day for Donskoi. It will be the end of the day, all these guys who are in here are going to help us be a first time he returns to SAP Center at San Jose to face the Sharks since better hockey team. No matter their personality, their background, their leaving over the offseason to sign a four-year contract with the Colorado origin or what country you come from, it doesn’t matter.” Avalanche. The 27-year-old two-way winger was with the Sharks for four seasons and his maiden campaign with the Avs has seen him have As Landeskog says this, Donskoi is a few feet away doing an interview in success. He is earning top-six minutes for a Stanley Cup contender while Finnish within a dressing room capable of having conversations in also enjoying one of the best years of his career. Czech, English, French, Russian and Swedish break out at any time.

Donskoi has only scored twice in 2020 but his 15 goals are the most he Landeskog said Donskoi has been effective ever since training camp. has ever had in the NHL. He’s projected to finish the season with 19 The Avalanche knew they were getting a shifty forward who was hard to goals and has a chance to clinch his first-ever 40-point campaign. play against. What they did not see coming, however, was the level Donskoi reaches when it comes to constantly tapping into his work ethic. Let’s just say returning to an old home while having the strongest individual campaign of your career has become a theme for the “He’s just a true professional who comes to the rink and prepares every Avalanche this season. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Andre Burakovsky, day,” Landeskog said. “He’s a really good teammate and it’s been Valeri Nichushkin and Donskoi have all set personal bests in categories awesome having him and he fits in great.” like goals and points during their first campaign with the Avs. Donskoi said he doubts he will have a chance to spend time with his old “It’s going to be a lot of fun, I think. Lot of emotions. Lot of good teammates because the Sharks had a 4 p.m. game against the Ottawa memories playing in that arena,” Donskoi said of his return. “I met a lot of Senators only to turn around for the second game of the back-to-back nice people that I think are will be my friends for a lifetime. It’s going to be against the Avalanche. emotional, it’s going to be fun. I’m excited to get back. It’s been marked The plan is to just focus on the usual routine he has with the Avalanche on my calendar for a long time.” the day before a game as if he were in any other city. Thinking about his time in San Jose made Donskoi recollect on when he But San Jose, of course, is not just any other place on an NHL schedule. first moved to the United States. He remembered what it was like to work Donskoi conveyed that when discussing how much fun he had getting to toward gaining a stronger command of the English language while learn the area and checking out Monterey, Santa Cruz and San learning how to navigate one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Francisco. “Lot of traffic, a lot of highways,” he said with a smile.”Where I am from, Just don’t ask him whether he’s interested in taking a trip to Alcatraz there’s only one highway. Everything is a lot more expensive than anytime soon given he has already spent a lot of time there. Finland so that was a surprise for me too but I learned to like San Jose pretty fast and I enjoyed my time there.” Like, a LOT of time.

Another moment that made living in San Jose even more enjoyable was “I had a lot of family come visit from Finland, so, I think I went to Alcatraz meeting Devin Devine, who became his future fiancee. Donskoi said they like seven times because everyone wanted to see it,” Donskoi said. “This met one night when they were out with friends. is how it goes. We got to San Fran. We go see Golden Gate and then we go to Alcatraz. I think I did that seven or eight times when I was there.” They hit it off from there and have been together ever since. How many times did it take for Donskoi to go to Alcatraz upon realizing “We met there and that’s obviously one more reason why San Jose he could actually lead the tour himself? meant so much for us,” Donskoi said. “I think it was like the third time,” he said.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180155 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche fall 6-3 in Vancouver; point streak ends at nine games

By Aarif Deen

March 7, 2020

The Avalanche had a chance to jump into first place in the Western Conference with a victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. Just hours after the Central Division-leading St. Louis Blues lost in regulation in New Jersey, the Avs suffered a similar defeat, losing 6-3 to the Canucks, ending their nine-game point streak and nine-game winning streak on the road.

Colorado (40-19-8) remains two points back of the Blues with a game in hand for first place.

Vancouver jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, beating Pavel Francouz twice on seven shots through the first 20 minutes. But the Avalanche took control offensively, cutting the lead in half off a goal from Erik Johnson.

The Avs had 18 shots in the first period but finished the game with just 32.

The Canucks added to their lead in the second to make it 3-1. But Colorado fought back to tie the game after Gabe Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the middle frame. The lead did not last long until Vancouver made it 4-3 and holding the Avs to zero goals in the third period.

Francouz surrendered five goals. For the first time in 14 games, Avs goalie Pavel Francouz gave up five goals. Francouz entered the week with a league-leading .929 save percentage but has since seen the number drop to .924 after consecutive losses.

Landeskog’s point streak continues. Landeskog had a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to seven games (four goals, 10 points). Landeskog scored his 20th of the season for the first sixth time in his career.

Avalanche will play back-to-back in California again. Two weekends ago, the Avs played on consecutive nights in the Golden State and came away with four points. On Sunday, Colorado will take on the San Jose Sharks before a third matchup in three weeks against the Los Angeles Kings the following night.

milehighsports.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180156 Columbus Blue Jackets season. “It’s our one night of the year when we can get together and catch up. It’s like the Blue Jackets are the thing that binds us.”

Blue Jackets go to the dogs, and it lifts their spirits Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

Mar 8, 2020 at 5:01 AM

EDMONTON, Alberta — Locked into a tight playoff race during the stretch run of the regular season, the Blue Jackets are going through their most intense portion of the season.

They’re beset by injuries, having trouble scoring, and their stingy defense took a major hit last month when Seth Jones went down with a broken ankle. It’s enough to give a general manager, coach or player a headache, which is why the Jackets thoroughly enjoyed a welcome break from it all last week.

After a stinging 3-2 overtime loss Wednesday at Calgary, the Jackets bused to the snowy, ski-centric town of Banff, about 90 minutes away in the Canadian Rockies. There, they enjoyed the picturesque landscape and spent Thursday being pulled around on dog sleds.

“It was, honestly, one of the best experiences of my life,” center Pierre- Luc Dubois said. “It wasn’t on my list (of things to do), and now if someone were to ask me, I would say you should put it on your list if you can.”

It wasn’t David Savard’s first experience on a dog sled, but that didn’t take away from it.

“You’ve got to hold them back a little bit because they just want to go so much,” Savard said of the dogs, who pulled two Blue Jackets per sled in teams of six. “You have your full weight on the brake to make sure they’re not leaving without you.”

Nobody was left behind, thankfully, and the Jackets enjoyed a day of camaraderie.

“The dogs are some special animals, and the views were just stunning,” said forward Devin Shore, who was acquired in a trade on Feb. 24. “The guys got to come together, have some laughs and have a good time, so it was a great day.”

The Blue Jackets also held a spirited practice Friday at the Fenlands Recreational Centre ice rink, where a small group of onlookers watched.

Among them were Amanda Morganton and Sarah Parmley, who were clad in Blue Jackets jerseys. The longtime friends made the drive up that morning from Calgary, where Morganton lives, and they’ve been Jackets fans since the beginning.

Both grew up in the small town of Creston, British Columbia, near the Idaho/Canada border, and decided to throw their burgeoning love of hockey to one of the NHL’s expansion teams.

They picked Columbus over the Minnesota Wild in 2000-01 simply because of Minnesota’s connection to the Minnesota North Stars, a former rival of Parmley’s Edmonton Oilers (she roots for Columbus and Edmonton). Ever since, they’ve been Blue Jackets die-hards.

They even made a spring break trip to Columbus in 2010, spending eight days in the area and taking in three games. They got a tour of Nationwide Arena and received VIP treatment from the former general manager of the Fox Sports Ohio Blueline stores, who enjoyed hearing the story of how their journey came about.

They’re now planning a second trip to Columbus in the fall for the first game at Nationwide Arena in what will be the Jackets’ 20th season.

“It’ll be our 10-year trip,” said Parmley, who now runs a farm north of Edmonton. “It’s fun because when people (around here) ask what team you cheer for, everyone expects you to say Calgary or Edmonton. And it’s like, ‘Columbus,’ and they’re like, ‘What?’”

It’s also a fun way to keep in touch.

“It’s our excuse to get together,” said Morganton, who attends Blue Jackets games with Parmley when the team rolls through Calgary each 1180157 Columbus Blue Jackets

Oilers 4, Blue Jackets 1| Jackets stonewalled in Edmonton

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

Mar 8, 2020 at 12:48 AM

EDMONTON, Alberta – A year ago, the Blue Jackets came to Rogers Place and had one of their worst performances in John Tortorella’s tenure as their head coach.

They were slow in skating, even slower in thinking and the Edmonton Oilers ran them over like a locomotive piloted by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Saturday night, it was a different story with the same ending.

The Blue Jackets skated circles around the Oilers this time, holding the puck in the Edmonton zone with a strong forecheck, but still lost 4-1 and fell to 0-1-1 in the first two games of a three-game road trip through Western Canada.

The trip will conclude Sunday in Vancouver, where the Jackets hope to find a goaltender a little cooler than Miiko Koskinen (46 saves).

The Edmonton netminder saved the day for the Oilers, who won their fifth straight game against the Blue Jackets (32-22-15) and swept the two- game season series for the second straight year.

Koskinen stopped 21 shots in the first period, 11 in the second and 17 more in the third to stonewall the Blue Jackets.

Alex Chiasson scored the game’s first goal early in the first period and it was the lone goal of the game until late in the third, when Caleb Jones -- Seth Jones’ younger brother -- and Connor McDavid added insurance goals to seal the win.

Prior to those goals, it was all Koskinen for the Oilers, who made a number of skilled stops to keep Columbus off the scoreboard.

Gustav Nyquist scored the Jackets’ lone goal and Joonas Korpisalo allowed three goals on 24 shots. He also made several highlight-worthy stops in the second to keep the Jackets within striking distance, but paid dearly for a mistake in the first.

It was on Chiasson’ goal, which made it 1-0 just 3:08 into the game with a slap shot from above the right circle. The puck sailed past an unsuspecting Korpisalo, who didn’t look ready for the shot after the puck caromed to Chiasson off the boards.

The Blue Jackets responded with a rally, outplaying the Oilers the rest of the period and outshooting them by a 21-7 margin. They just couldn’t get any goals off the scoring chances they created.

Koskinen, who’s 6 feet 7, used his lengthy frame to cut off shooting angles and also came up with several high-quality stops while the Blue Jackets buzzed around the Oilers’ net with their strongest forechecking effort in quite a while.

Columbus also forced the Edmonton goalie to make five saves during a power play in the first, moving the puck around cleanly on the man- advantage to set up multiple one-timers. Koskinen stopped them all and kept the Oilers in front starting the second.

It went like that the rest of the game for Columbus, until Nyquist finally got one past Koskinen with 59 seconds to play. That cut the lead to 3-1, but the Oilers extended back to a three-goal margin, 4-1, with an empty- net goal by Riley Sheahan with 29.7 seconds left.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180158 Columbus Blue Jackets When asked Friday whether the Blue Jackets’ style of play was too conservative, Dubois took a pass.

“I … don’t … really … wanna get into that,” he said. “But I think, you Blue Jackets need Pierre-Luc Dubois to start pulling his weight know, it’s about helping the team and whatever makes the team win. offensively “At the end of the day, we’re trying to make the playoffs, and if we make the playoffs, I don’t think anybody’s going to be upset about the number of points or anything they had. The playoffs are the playoffs. I’d rather By Aaron Portzline have less points and be in the playoffs than more points and be home April 4, so it’s about the team.” Mar 7, 2020 But the Blue Jackets will almost certainly need more offense from

Dubois, as well as from Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner, Gustav Nyquist, BANFF, Alberta — With two days between games in Calgary and etc., if they’re going to make the postseason for a fourth consecutive Edmonton, the Blue Jackets took a side trip to this world-class resort season. They’re a “2-1” team playing in a “3-2” league. village in the middle of the Canadian Rockies. On Thursday, the players Bjorkstrand (21 goals) remains the Blue Jackets’ leading scorer, and he’s went dog sledding through some of the most remote areas of Banff been out of the lineup with a fractured ankle since Feb. 20. Defenseman National Park. Zach Werenski (20) is second on the club. “It was, honestly, one of the best experiences of my life,” Blue Jackets “I shudder to think what our offense would be without what (Werenski’s) center Pierre-Luc Dubois said. “Some people maybe do it a couple of done,” Tortorella said, “(with) some of the … quite honestly lackluster times a year here, (but for) me, it was the first time in my life, and it’s not performances offensively from our offensive people.” something I was thinking about doing, either. And yet through all of the blows the Blue Jackets have taken — free “It wasn’t on my list, but now if someone were to ask me, I would say you agency, injuries, etc. — they hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern should put it on your list if you can. (The dogs) are so beautiful, and Conference heading into the weekend despite winning just two of their being in nature, in the mountains … I’ve never seen this part of Canada. previous 13 games (2-5-6). So it was pretty special.” It can’t go on like this, right? Dubois may be in his third NHL season, but he hasn’t lost his youthful sense of awe. He’s a dog lover, too, so he had a good laugh at the idea Tortorella has found a fit with Nyquist, Jenner and Foligno playing on a of his own best friend back in Columbus, Ohio, a French bulldog named line, but he’s been searching to find a fit for Dubois. It would be foolish to Phillip, trying to mush his way through the snow. believe Dubois’ recent struggles are happening in a vacuum.

“He’s got energy,” Dubois said, with a wide smile. “He would not give up, For most of his first two seasons in the NHL, he played on a line with that’s for sure.” point-a-game left winger Panarin and 40-goal right winger Atkinson. That’s a dream scenario for a young player coming into the league. The players went out two to a sled, letting a six-dog team of huskies pull them through fields and valleys and across frozen lakes. Dubois was On Saturday, when the Blue Jackets play in Edmonton, Dubois will start paired with Stefan Matteau, “a heavy load for the dogs,” Dubois said. the game on a line with center-turned-winger Alexander Wennberg to his left and rookie Emil Bemstrom to his right. When the Blue Jackets have an off day on the road, players usually mill about in the team hotel, looking for ways to pass the time while they get To be clear, Dubois has never made an issue about his linemates, not much-needed rest. Netflix, a movie, video games, etc. even a hint of dissatisfaction. But that’s a significant change, making it easier for Dubois to be the focus of defensive pressure on that line. But with an off day on the schedule, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen arranged the getaway so players could take a mental “Absolute cop-out,” Tortorella said. “Absolute cop-out. We have offensive break from hockey, especially with the playoff races intensifying. people here who have to be better offensively, and if somebody is feeding you that information, that they need other people, it’s an absolute Nobody needed to breathe the cold, crisp mountain air more than cop-out. Dubois. The 21-year-old has been the Blue Jackets’ leading scorer virtually all season, but he has hit the skids offensively at a time when the “I’ll put it to you this way: It’s an unbelievable opportunity for some of Jackets desperately need him to score. these guys who know this team is dying for offense to step up and take the responsibility … Luc being one of them, along with a couple of others. Further, there are indications Dubois and coach John Tortorella might not It’s an opportunity.” be seeing eye to eye, with the exuberant Dubois pushing for a more aggressive offensive attack and the veteran coach insisting on a low-risk, defensively aware approach. The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 When Tortorella was pressed on Dubois’ struggles — he has one goal in the past 15 games and just three goals in his past 27 games — Tortorella refused to answer, repeatedly saying, “Ask (Dubois) the question.”

Tortorella does have a theory, “but I will not share the theory with you,” he told reporters.

A short while later, Dubois said he “didn’t know” why he’s experiencing a late-winter drought. When told Tortorella had a theory, Dubois smiled. “I have a theory, but I can’t share it, either.”

After losing Artemi Panarin and Matt Duchene to free agency, Tortorella retooled the Blue Jackets’ approach, getting away from his “Safe is Death” mantra and driving home a less-risky style of play.

Injuries this season have crushed the Blue Jackets further, taking Josh Anderson, Cam Atkinson, Oliver Bjorkstrand and two-way defenseman Seth Jones out of the lineup. It’s only made Tortorella stress checking more. Now it’s “Safe is Life.”

But Dubois took issue with the approach after a 5-4 loss in Minnesota late last month, saying, “When you’re just waiting for mistakes, it’s going to be a long game.” 1180159 Dallas Stars Although a Twitter report that the NHL was limiting locker room access proved incorrect, the Stars held all postgame availability in the media room Saturday, a change from previous games.

Stars lose to Nashville on a ‘flukey’ goal as frustrating skid extends to five The Stars have made other adjustments as well to prevent casual games contact. The national anthem was sung from just inside the ice from the Zamboni gate, and fans are no longer allowed in certain areas of the event level at AAC.

By Chuck Carlton Seguin called the virus news “scary stuff.”

12:21 AM on Mar 8, 2020 Bishop said the players have the same concerns as the general public.

“We’re all thinking the same thing,” Bishop said. “It’s a serious situation, and hopefully it can get figured out quicker than the alternative. Right Technically, the Stars are in the midst of a five-game winless skid. now, just take the precautionary measures to try to make sure this thing Never mind the fact they’ve picked up two points in that stretch. doesn’t find its way into the league or into the sports world.”

It distinctly feels more like a losing streak after Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Briefly: Forward Alexander Radulov missed the game with illness, Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center. according to the Stars.

“It is what it is. It’s a five-game losing streak,” forward Tyler Seguin said. -- With Radulov out, Justin Dowling made his first appearance since Jan. “I’m glad it’s happening now and not the last five games of the season. 29. We’ve got time to keep building and get back on track. -- Defenseman Roman Polak returned to the lineup for the first time in “I think we understand in here that you can’t just flip a switch for playoff three games. game 1.” -- The Stars observed a moment of silence before the game for the The Stars (37-23-8) have gone more than two full games without a goal victims of the recent tornado outbreak in the Nashville area. (134 minutes) and more than three games (211 minutes) minus an even- strength goal. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.08.2020 Instead of possibly burying Nashville (34-26-8) in the race for third place in the Central Division, the Stars are now six points ahead of both the Predators and the Winnipeg Jets with 14 games remaining in the regular season.

The game’s only goal came on a weird angle wrist shot by defenseman Ryan Ellis with three seconds remaining on a Nashville power play in the second period.

Ellis was playing his ninth game since sitting out 20 games following a hit by the Stars’ Corey Perry early in the Winter Classic.

“Never saw it,” said goaltender Ben Bishop, making his first start in four games. “Didn’t really expect him to shoot from there. I think he kind of surprised us a little bit.”

Interim coach Rick Bowness called the goal “flukey” before shifting to the offensive struggles. Unlike in a shutout loss Thursday in Nashville, he had no problem with the quality of shots or effort.

“We’re going through getting a lot of chances and not scoring,” Bowness said. “We’re doing a lot of good things and it’s not reflecting on the win/loss column, and that’s the most important thing.”

The Stars did have opportunities, especially in the second and third periods, when they had 28 of their 37 shots against Nashville goalie Juuse Saros.

With just over a minute to go, John Klingberg had a good look from the point with Jamie Benn screening Saros. The shot clanged off the crossbar.

“It’s frustrating when you can’t get the results,” Bishop said. “We’re playing some good hockey right now. We absolutely dominated that third period. Their goalie was feeling it.

“We’ve just got to find a way to get one of those ugly ones, whether it’s off somebody’s leg or a rebound to kind of get the ball rolling in the right direction.”

Bowness said the key is not to let that frustration take over with three games remaining on a current homestand.

“You come off the ice and you just have a great chance and you don’t score and you’re down by one, it gets very frustrating,” Bowness said. “As we always tell them, just get ready for your next shift.

“You put those things behind you. You can’t be going back on the ice worrying about your last chance or last shift. You have to reset very quickly.”

Virus precautions: The Stars, along with the rest of the NHL, are enacting precautions in response to the coronavirus. 1180160 Dallas Stars The Oilers scored twice on the power play Tuesday. Nashville scored twice on the power play Thursday, and its lone goal Saturday was scored with the man advantage.

Stars 20/20: Offensive drought continues as losing skid reaches five The Stars are 9-for-16 on the penalty kill in the past five games, a rate of games 56.2 percent.

7. In Nashville’s two victories, the Stars’ goalies allowed poor goals, though neither Ben Bishop nor Anton Khudobin had a chance of winning By Sean Shapiro either without goal support.

Mar 7, 2020 On Saturday, Bishop got beat on the short side instead of Khudobin, and Ryan Ellis fired the shot instead of Filip Forsberg.

Bishop said after the game that he never saw the shot and was screened DALLAS — The Dallas Stars lost their fifth straight game, falling 1-0 to on the play. the Nashville Predators on Saturday. It was Bishop’s first start since Feb. 27 against the Boston Bruins. He 1. On Feb. 16, the Stars were tied with the St. Louis Blues for the most missed one game because of a lower-body injury and was the backup for points in the Western Conference. the other two because of how well Khudobin has played. On Feb. 21, against the Blues, Dallas had a chance to really set the tone Bishop played well in his return and stopped 22 of 23 shots. He said he for a stretch run in which they, in theory, could win the Central Division didn’t feel any ill effects from the time off and gave credit to goalie coach and the Western Conference, but they lost 5-1. Jeff Reese for the work he’s been put through in practice over the past Less than three weeks later, the Stars are closer to dropping out of the two weeks. top three in the division than they are to catching the Blues. You want to see him find the puck on Ellis’ goal, but a goalie can’t win if The divisional title hopes were already on life support, if not dead, but his team doesn’t score. their recent stretch has set up a more concerning proposition: Will the 8. Nashville was intent upon getting retribution on Corey Perry in the Stars be caught and end up in a wild-card spot? teams’ final meeting of the regular season. The Stars have 82 points with 14 games to play. The Predators and Perry knocked Ellis out with a dirty hit in the Winter Classic and was Winnipeg Jets have 76, and the Minnesota Wild have 75 with 15 games suspended for five games while the Predators defenseman missed 20 remaining. following a concussion. The Blues have 90 points. The Colorado Avalanche have 88. Dallas is Perry was a target on Thursday in Nashville, but things escalated closer to Nashville and Winnipeg than it is to the Blues. Saturday. He and Jarred Tinordi tumbled to the ice in the Predators’ 2. If Nashville catches the Stars, this two-game set will be the reason. It crease in the first period and were called for roughing. Later in the first probably saved the Predators’ season. They had been struggling going period, Yakov Trenin took a 15-foot run at Perry behind the play and was into Thursday’s matchup with Dallas in Tennessee. called for charging.

Dallas won the Winter Classic between the two on Jan. 1, but Nashville In the second period, Roman Josi was called for high-sticking when he may have won the two most important games in the series. cross-checked Perry in the head in front of the Predators’ net.

3. Dallas isn’t a high-scoring team, but this is the longest it has gone That was the most egregious offense against Perry. It could have been without finding the back of the net in a season with minimal goals. more than a minor penalty and probably should have been.

It’s the first time the Stars have been shut out in back-to-back games and There were also a couple of other uncalled infractions against Perry later have gone three consecutive games without an even-strength goal. in the game that the officials let go. That’s a mistake, in my view: If you want to get control of the game, just call the penalties and don’t worry The Stars have gone 186 minutes, 27 seconds since last scoring at even about who the victim is or what his history may be. strength, but even then, it came on a six-on-five. For the last true five-on- five goal, we must go back 211:10 to the second period against the Blues 9. Maybe Nashville would have stopped taking runs and penalties on Feb. 29. against Perry if the Stars posed anything that even seemed like a threat on the power play. In a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, the Stars ran into a hot goalie in a 2-1 loss. On Thursday in Nashville, they had a no-show Dallas took four shots on two power plays, and only one represented any offensive performance in which Stars interim coach Rick Bowness called real threat to Saros. players out for not being willing to shoot or go hard to the net. 10. While there are issues with the Stars, we should take a moment to Bowness was much happier with the showing Saturday and felt the give Saros credit for what he’s done the past two games, turning away 70 quality was there on a day the Stars took 37 shots on Juuse Saros, who consecutive shots by Dallas. recorded his second consecutive shutout. He has four shutouts this season. Bishop has two and Khudobin does not “The quality was there tonight,” Bowness said. “We had seven good yet have one. Get used to seeing him in Nashville, as he’s taken Pekka chances in the third period to their one. We had six quality chances in the Rinne’s title as the starter. (second). The quality chances are there.” 11. Josi was very good. He should probably win the Norris Trophy. 4. I agree with Bowness on the third period — the Stars played 12. Alexander Radulov missed Saturday’s game with an illness, and his desperately in the final 20 minutes — but I’m not convinced they had absence meant Justin Dowling returned to the lineup for the first time nearly enough quality chances in the first two periods. since Jan. 29 and the fourth time in 2020. According to numbers provided by Natural Stat Trick, the Stars had a 7-1 Dowling had a three-game conditioning stint with the Texas Stars in edge in high-danger chances at even strength in the final period, but in February and had three assists in three games. He was on a line with the first two, the Predators had the 8-2 edge in high-danger chances. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin and was on the power-play unit 5. To give credit where it’s due, the Stars haven’t allowed a goal at even quarterbacked by Miro Heiskanen. strength in 213:10. 13. If Radulov is out for an extended period, I wonder if the Stars That’s a testament to their defense, but they also have to score goals to consider using one of their four non-emergency recalls to bring up Jason win. Robertson.

6. Power-play goals have been the difference in the recent losses. 14. Dallas rolled out this lineup: Jamie Benn — Justin Dowling — Tyler Seguin Denis Gurianov — Jason Dickinson — Corey Perry

Andrew Cogliano — Radek Faksa — Blake Comeau The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020

Mattias Janmark — Joe Pavelski — Roope Hintz

Esa Lindell — John Klingberg

Miro Heiskanen — Stephen Johns

Jamie Oleksiak — Roman Polak

Nashville countered like this:

Colton Sissons — Ryan Johansen — Calle Jarnkrok

Filip Forsberg — Matt Duchene — Mikael Granlund

Rocco Grimaldi — Nick Bonino — Craig Smith

Yakov Trenin — Kyle Turris — Viktor Arvidsson

Roman Josi — Ryan Ellis

Mattias Ekholm — Dante Fabbro

Jarred Tinordi — Korbinian Holzer

15. Andrej Sekera was a healthy scratch and was replaced by Polak as the Stars’ rotation of scratches was restarted.

Sekera was joined by Taylor Fedun, who last played on Jan. 11.

After practice Friday, I asked Bowness what would need to happen for Fedun to get into a game. He wasn’t committed to a timeframe but said he needed to get Fedun into the lineup sooner than later.

My guess? We’ll see Fedun once the Stars lock up a playoff spot.

16. Referee Gord Dwyer was honored for working his 1,000th NHL game. Dwyer lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and was joined by his family for a ceremony before the opening faceoff.

The NHL presented Dwyer with a Tiffany crystal, and the general managers for both teams gave him signed jerseys to commemorate the occasion.

It’s the fourth 1,000th-game ceremony we’ve witnessed in Dallas this season after Perry, Pavelski and Cogliano were honored.

17. The NHL plans to take steps to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to players.

Some of those went into effect on Saturday, including closing locker rooms to media members, eliminating fan interaction with players and limiting any nonessential personnel to the event level. The Stars used to have the national anthem sung near the entrance to the benches, but it was moved to the Zamboni entrance to limit the number of people in the tunnel between the bench and the locker room.

The NHL hasn’t officially put such measures into effect, but the Stars did.

18. After the game, the Stars had three players sit at a table for a news conference and reporters weren’t allowed to put their phones or recorders on the table. There was a speaker in the back of the room to amplify what they said.

The Stars’ public relations staff was not told by the NHL to take such measures, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier Saturday that the postgame media rules would be changed and the Stars were proactive in embracing them. Those instructions were never made, but since a plan had already been put in place and TV cameras had been set up, the Stars followed through.

It’s a format that worked and the players seemed comfortable enough with it.

19. For those wondering, there are no plans to alter the Stars’ open practices in Frisco. However, don’t expect much, such as autographs, when it comes to personal interaction with players.

20. The biggest task for the Stars is making sure they don’t collapse in March like they did in 2018, when their 4-8-4 record in the month doomed their playoff hopes and cost coach Ken Hitchcock his job.

This March doesn’t feel like that right now. These Stars are better. They have a better backup goalie and stronger mental fortitude. But we are at the point where each loss starts to pick at an old wound with the fan base. 1180161 Detroit Red Wings

Reports: Detroit Red Wings to close dressing room to media because of coronavirus

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 2:37 p.m. ET March 7, 2020 | Updated 3:55 p.m. ET March 7, 2020

The Detroit Red Wings opened up their locker room to media Saturday as routine, but that could change pending a mandate from the NHL.

The NHL is recommending teams make players and coaches available in news conference areas. That is where Wings coach Jeff Blashill routinely talks to reporters after games, while players, whether after a game or a practice, have been available in the locker room.

Earlier this week, the Wings discussed the virus, which the CDC says is spread through close proximity to an infected person, and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“You have to be careful,” Wings center Dylan Larkin said Wednesday. “You do have to be cautious whenever you’re out in public.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180162 Detroit Red Wings Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs. Every one of them is either jockeying for position within the playoff picture or within striking distance.

The Wings were eliminated Feb. 21, but see these last four weeks as an Here's how the Detroit Red Wings played like the team they want to be opportunity to spark joy, and spoil.

“No matter where you’re at, wining is way better,” Larkin said. “We could be a big part of this and disrupt some seasons. We want to win here, Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press we’re competitive guys and proud guys, so that’s what we’re focused on right here.” Published 8:00 a.m. ET March 7, 2020 | Updated 2:02 p.m. ET March 7, 2020

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.08.2020 The Detroit Red Wings are, at long last, playing the way they want to, playing to the identity they crave.

It is too late to impact the standings beyond playing spoiler to a litany of playoff-bound opponents down the stretch, but at least it’s fun. And fun is something the Wings have experienced very little of this season.

They take on the Tampa Bay Lighting on Sunday buoyed by a rare victory, earned Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena. The atmosphere was great and the Wings fed off it, but they also fed it, with goals and special teams battles and huge saves in a 2-1 final.

“We were relentless,” Dylan Larkin said. “Minus the first shift and until they scored, I thought we controlled the play. They didn’t really have a whole lot and their big guys were getting frustrated. We were smart with the puck and we created a lot.

“It was a good game for us and that’s the way we have to play more. We need to build off that.”

The Wings (16-48-5) are all but locked into 31st place – a 10-game winning streak wouldn’t boost them from last place. So winning now would not affect finishing with the best odds in the draft lottery. What it would do is build a measure of confidence into a team that has endured three stretches of at least eight-game losing streaks, and suffered nearly 300 man-games lost to injury.

“We came out really good in the first and were playing fast and getting it deep,” Tyler Bertuzzi said after scoring his 19th goal of the season. “We were hard on the forecheck.”

Jonathan Bernier was stellar in the opening minute, making a huge save on Alex DeBrincat on an odd-man rush. But Bernier has been excellent since mid-December. It was his teammates that looked noticeably better, who looked physically and emotionally engaged.

The Wings have lacked the personnel to offset injuries, but there’s a chance they may have some depth down the stretch. Filip Zadina (ankle) has been cleared to practice and could be back in the lineup within a . Sam Gagner looks like he’s developing chemistry with Valtteri Filppula and Darren Helm, and fellow newcomer Dmytro Timoshev provides physicality.

“Now you do start to add some depth of scoring in the lineup by having Gagner, by having Zadina,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “We just haven’t ever been able to get to that. I thought Larkin’s line again was really good, but we can’t be a one-line team. You have to have depth of scoring.”

The Wings haven’t won two consecutive games in two months. They haven’t won three in a row since mid-November. They emerged from the Feb. 24 trade deadline to play three of their worst games of the season, the nadir a 7-1 loss to Minnesota.

Now they’ve played two of their better games in a row, though they lost, 2-1, to Colorado.

“It’s ups and downs,” Larkin said. “More so the downs with the injuries and guys coming in and out. We get one guy back and it seems like one guy was going down. It was tough. It was tough to find chemistry, to find rhythm.

“It’s been tough with the injuries, but we’re seeing some positive signs.”

Those positive signs could have a negative impact as the Wings trundle through the last 13 games of their season. The slate features three games against the Lightning, capped by the April 4 season finale, two games against the Washington Capitals twice, and also have games against the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, Vegas Golden Knights, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis 1180163 Detroit Red Wings

Jeff Daniels, Dave Coulier announce Detroit Red Wings starting lineup: How it happened

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 8:32 a.m. ET March 7, 2020 | Updated 10:38 a.m. ET March 7, 2020

“He can put a lot of beer away.”

To the delight of a team that needed a laugh, actors Dave Coulier and Jeff Daniels stopped by the Detroit Red Wings’ locker room to announce their starting lineup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Coulier drew laughs as he went through the names, calling out Anthony Mantha, “Mantha, big man, where are you, buddy?” When Mantha raised his right hand in acknowledgement, Coulier quipped, “he can put a lot of beer away.” When it was Trevor Daley's turn, Coulier quipped, "this next guy's not weekly, he's daily, eh?"

Performed with accents mimicking Bob and Doug McKenzie from “Strange Brew,” the performance was a hit.

“To see him and Jeff come in and lighten it up, they did a great job,” Dylan Larkin said. “When they started, I thought it was going to be a little long, but it was well done and got us going.

“I think Tyler really was the one laughing at it the most. He’s probably the most Canadian guy I know. He really enjoyed that.”

Bertuzzi enjoyed it so much he scored the first goal in the 2-1 victory, only the 16th game the Wings have won this season. Bertuzzi was particularly enthralled by Daniels.

“I love ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ so that was pretty cool to see him in here,” Bertuzzi said. “They did the starting lineup and it was good. They were funny.

It got us going, for sure.”

It was coach Jeff Blashill’s idea, one he set in motion when he heard the two Michiganders (Coulier was born in St. Clair Shores; Daniels grew up in Chelsea) would be at Friday’s game at Little Caesars Arena.

“Dave Coulier and I have become friends over the last number of years,” Blashill said. “I’d never met Jeff Daniels but really, really nice man. I’m a big fan of his. When I found out they were coming, I texted with Coulier last night and just asked them if they wanted to do it.

“I’m not sure our whole team understood ‘Strange brew,’ but it was a great rendition and it was great.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180164 Detroit Red Wings The result: The Wings’ porous defense could be just what the Panthers need — Florida scored at least four goals in all three games against the Wings this season — but we think the Wings take advantage of home ice in this one to snap a four-game losing streak. No, Detroit Red Wings won't set a team record for fewest points. But it'll be damn close March 20: at Arizona Coyotes (33-28-8)

The buzz: The famously penny-pinching Coyotes went all in this year with an offseason trade for Phil Kessel and a midseason deal for former Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press MVP Taylor Hall. Hall and Kessel haven’t been great, but the Coyotes are two points out of the West’s final wild-card spot with a couple of Published 6:01 a.m. ET March 7, 2020 | Updated 2:51 p.m. ET March 7, games in hand. 2020 Oct 13, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller

(9) shoots during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at Gila The Detroit Red Wings actually won Friday, beating the Chicago River Arena. Blackhawks, 2-1. The Red Wings still have 48 losses in regulation this The result: Third-year forward Clayton Keller had two goals in the teams’ year, just eight away from setting a franchise record (held by the 1976-77 Dec. 22 meeting (won by the Coyotes, 5-2) and is peaking again, with Wings, who played before the NHL played overtime games). The Wings’ five goals and six assists in his past 11 games. Look for him to deliver 53 total losses, counting overtimes and shootouts, are just four off the another loss to the Wings. franchise record of 57 losses, set by the 1985-86 squad. March 21: at Vegas Golden Knights (37-24-8) All of that tells you something you probably already knew entering the final four weeks of play for the Wings: They. Are. BAAAAD. (And, The buzz: The Golden Knights are well on the way to making the playoffs honestly, that 16-48-5 record probably understates how bad they’ve for the third time, in their third season in the NHL. They sit in first place in been, with a minus-120 goal differential that’s worse than the next two the Pacific Division, a couple points up on the Oilers, which is a long way teams – combined.) But here’s what we don’t know: How bad will they from beating the Wings in November to get within a game of .500. end up? The result: The good news — the Wings won’t have much time in Las Of the Wings’ final 13 games on the schedule, 11 come against teams Vegas, with a game the night before in Arizona. The bad news — the with winning records, and 10 of them come against teams in playoff Knights will be well rested, coming off two days between games. Mark it spots. So … don’t expect a sudden winning streak for the Wings. Still, down as another Wings loss. they’ve gotta have a chance in some of these games, right? We broke down all 13 games on the schedule to see what their final record will be. March 24: at Boston Bruins (43-13-12)

Sunday: Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5) The buzz: If there’s a baffling aspect to this Wings season, it’s that they’ve beaten the big, bad Bruins — tops in the league with 98 points — The buzz: The Wings were actually competitive in their Dec. 29 loss to twice in three tries. GM Steve Yzerman’s former squad, falling 2-1 in regulation. Maybe they, well, unleashed the Lightning in that game: The Bolts are 22-7-1 since The result: In the Wings’ two wins, they kept star right wing (and Dunkin then. Donuts pitchman) David Pastrnak from scoring a goal. He scored in the Bruins’ win in early February, and we’re betting he does so in another The result: The Lightning have a Saturday night date with the Bruins in Bruins win here. Boston, then a flight to Detroit, which could tire them out enough to send this one into overtime – but the Wings will still fall in the extra period. March 26: Philadelphia Flyers (40-20-7)

Tuesday: Carolina Hurricanes (35-25-5) The buzz: The Flyers have an eight-game winning streak for the most unlikely of reasons — great goalie play. This is a franchise best The buzz: The ‘Canes, three points under the playoff line, won’t be described as having been “to goalies what the Cleveland Browns have bringing their “Storm Surge” celebrations or celebrated emergency goalie been to quarterbacks” over the past two decades. But 21-year-old Carter David Ayres to Little Caesars Arena – we think – but they do bring an Hart is 8-1 with a .928 save percentage in his past nine games. offense that outscored the Wings 9-3 in two November games. The result: Hart stopped 32 of 33 shots in his start against the Wings on The result: Expect a big game from star Finnish forward Sebastian Aho, Nov. 29 and the Wings’ offense hasn’t gotten better since then. Another who has three goals and an assist against the Wings already this loss. season, as Carolina triumphs on EMU night at LCA. March 28: Washington Capitals (40-20-7) Thursday: at Washington Capitals (40-20-7) The buzz: How ridiculous has Ovechkin’s season been? With 47 goals in The buzz: Alex Ovechkin came out of the All-Star break tied with 66 games, Ovi is a virtual lock for 50 goals at age 34. Just one player in Yzerman at 692 goals; Ovi has since joined the 700 club — he has 13 NHL history — John Bucyk, who scored 51 at 35 in 1970-71 — has a 50- goals since the break, including two Thursday — but the Capitals are just goal season at 34 or older. 6-9-2 over that span. The result: The Caps have enough scorers to finish off the Wings even if The result: Ovechkin had a hat trick (plus an assist) when the Caps Ovechkin sits this one out. He won’t. visited Detroit in late November. We’ll pencil him in for just two goals in this one in D.C. as the Wings fall for the 30th time in 35 road games. March 31: at St. Louis Blues (40-18-10)

Saturday: at Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5) The buzz: Remember, on Jan. 3, 2019, the Blues were dead last in the NHL with a 16-18-4 record. Since then, they’ve gone 69-29-15 — for 153 The buzz: That 22-7-1 record since Dec. 29 we mentioned? The last four points in 113 regular-season games — won a Stanley Cup and sit atop games of it have come without star Steven Stamkos, who had core the Western Conference with 90 points. The Wings, meanwhile, were 15- muscle surgery — similar to what the Tigers’ Justin Verlander had in 20-7 that day — things, uh, haven’t gone as well for them. 2014 — and is out through at least the first round of the playoffs. The result: The Blues will likely have to play hard all the way to season’s The result: The Lightning are 2-2 in this latest stretch without Stamkos — end, thanks to an extremely competitive Central Division, which means, but they’ve still averaged 2.8 goals a game, more than enough to hand yep, another loss for the Wings. the Wings (averaging just two goals a game) another loss. April 2: at Toronto Maple Leafs (35-25-9) March 16: Florida Panthers (33-26-8) The buzz: Speaking of midseason turnarounds… the Leafs were 9-10-4 The buzz: The Panthers led the NHL in goals at the All-Star break and when they fired ex-Wings coach Mike Babcock on Nov. 20. Their 26-15-5 looked playoff-bound. They’re just 5-10-3 (including losing six of their sprint since then — and remember, that includes a loss to Carolina’s past seven games) since then while scoring 2.3 goals a game and emergency backup goalie — has Brendan Shanahan’s squad solidly in tumbling down the wild-card standings. the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic, even if Toronto fans have been driven nuts by the Leafs’ up-and-down campaign.

The result: Do we dare, the day after April Fools' Day? On the one hand, the Wings have struggled all year on the road. On the other hand, a loss to the Wings at home right before the playoffs would be the most “That’s So Leafs” thing this team could accomplish. Sounds like a win for the Wings to us — in the shootout, no less.

April 4: Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5)

The buzz: There shouldn’t be much at stake, with the Bolts just looking to stay healthy ahead of a first-round matchup against the Leafs or Panthers.

The result: The Wings opened this season in October with a surprising two-game win streak. They won’t end it the same way.

Where does that leave us?

Even with Friday’s win, the Wings are just a couple of games from locking up the No. 1 position in the draft lottery, and their tough schedule won’t do them any favors. A 2-10-1 finish, like we’ve projected, would put the Wings at 18-58-6 for 42 points, the second-worst record in franchise history in the modern era, two points ahead of the 1985-86 squad that went 17-57-6. Come to think of it ... Stevie Y was around back then, too, right before things took off again.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180165 Detroit Red Wings Said Blashill: “Bert has been real good the last couple of games. The thing I’ve said to Bert all year is it’s nice to get points but I want him to be hard skill, because when this team is good enough to be in a better spot, we’re going to need him to be hard skill, not just a guy who scores on a NHL taking precautions against coronavirus — asks to teams to close bad team. He’s done a good job of understanding that and making sure locker rooms to media he stays to his identity.”

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Detroit News LOADED: 03.08.2020 Published 5:10 p.m. ET March 7, 2020 | Updated 7:28 p.m. ET March 7, 2020

Detroit — The Red Wings and the NHL — with the NBA, Major League Baseball and MLS to follow suit — are taking precautions against the coronavirus.

According to multiple reports Saturday, the NHL has asked teams to close dressing rooms to the media, on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control.

The Red Wings’ locker room was open to media members Saturday — before reports surfaced later in the afternoon about the NHL shutting off access.

The NHL is advising teams to make coaches and players available in a central area, similar to where coach Jeff Blashill — and Pistons coach Dwane Casey — address the media during postgame and pregame interviews.

Playing spoiler

You look at the remainder of the Red Wings’ schedule and it’s apparent they have a great opportunity.

A tremendous opportunity, actually, of being a spoiler to an array of playoff teams, and would-be playoff teams, who are looking for a prime playoff seeding — or simply securing a playoff spot.

The Wings are ready to accept that role and challenge.

“No matter where you’re at, winning is way better,” said forward Dylan Larkin, of playing the spoiler role. “We could be a big part of this and disrupt some seasons. We want to win here. We’re competitive guys, proud guys, so that is what we’re focused on.”

The Wings put a massive dent Friday in Chicago’s slim playoff aspirations, defeating the Blackhawks 2-1.

Sunday, they’ll face the Lightning — who have defeated the Wings a staggering 16 consecutive games — in the first of three games between the teams the rest of the schedule.

The Lightning have slim hopes of skating past Boston for the lead in the Atlantic Division, but also are looking to end a recent slump (5-5 in last 10 games).

The Wings ended a six-game losing streak with Friday’s victory, with one of their better all-around efforts.

“We went through those three games, or so, around the trade deadline when we were bad,” Blashill said. “Since then, we’ve gotten way better with our physical engagement, emotional engagement, there’s been more talk on the bench.

“It gives life to our team.”

Blashill also credited the Little Caesars Arena crowd for maintaining energy for a team that has struggled mightily.

“The crowd has been awesome all year,” Blashill said. “Our crowd has done an unbelievable job, and under extremely tough circumstances. They’ve been super supportive.

“Detroit fans respect hard work and physicality. We did those two things (Friday).”

Tyler Bertuzzi ended a 14-game goal-scoring drought with Friday’s second-period goal.

“As long as we’re winning, that’s not something I think about at all,” said Bertuzzi of the goal-scoring slump. “Obviously you want to help score, you want to contribute to wins. It felt good to get a goal, but it was bigger to get a win.” 1180166 Detroit Red Wings

As coronavirus precaution, NHL and possibly NBA closing rooms to media

Updated Mar 07, 2020; Posted Mar 07, 2020

By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

Major professional sports leagues are taking preventative measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The NHL, beginning on Saturday, will close dressing rooms to the media, according to Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet. Coach and select player availability will take place in formal press conference areas.

The NBA is considering following suit, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.

Friedman reported the NHL acted on recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and that the NBA, Major League Baseball and the MLS are expected to follow.

The Red Wings room was open to the media after practice Saturday, before news of the impending shutdown.

Coach Jeff Blashill said earlier this week: "Certainly want to make sure we’re being as good as we can about those simple but effective methods to try to stem the spread of any kind of illness.”

Charania and others reported earlier that the NBA sent a memo to teams telling them to prepare for the possibility of playing games without fans or media in attendance, only essentially team personnel.

The International Ice Hockey Federation on Saturday announced the cancellation of the Women’s World Championship, which was scheduled to run from March 31 to April 10 in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, due to cononavirus fears.

As of now, the World Under-18 Championship in Plymouth and Ann Arbor (April 16-26) and World Championship in Switzerland (May 8-25) are scheduled to proceed.

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180167 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ Filip Zadina to benefit from more games this season

Posted Mar 07, 2020

By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have nowhere to go in the standings with 13 games remaining, having virtually clinched last place overall.

But winning can build confidence moving forward. Players in the final year of contracts might have added motivation to do well.

And the club wants to see growth from younger players.

That group is led by 2018 top pick Filip Zadina, who was progressing nicely before being idled Feb. 1 by a fractured ankle.

He will get an opportunity to gain more valuable NHL experience soon, after returning to practice Saturday.

“I just want to get stronger and get better and get back in the lineup,” Zadina said.

“I just need to be a little more patient and get healthy 100 percent, get myself in shape and feel ready to go. Right now, I just want to (spend) most of the time on the ice and in the gym to get stronger.”

Coach Jeff Blashill doesn’t know when Zadina will be cleared to play, but he won’t be ready for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena (5 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit), a team that has won 16 consecutive games against the Red Wings.

Zadina was injured Jan. 31 at the New York Rangers in the first game following the All-Star break. He played 20 minutes the next night at home vs. the Rangers, before the team realized the extent of the injury.

“It was just getting worse and worse,” Zadina said. “I tried to push myself, but I couldn’t even walk after. I just said, ‘I can’t go through that much.’ We did the X-ray and it showed up.”

He said of playing through the pain after the injury, “We are hockey players. This is what you do.

“I just wanted to play through it. They said it was just bruised, so why not?”

Zadina was cleared Friday night to resume practicing.

“I think everything went pretty good with the doctor last night and now it’s ramping him up back into game shape, with the exception of you don’t know how increased soreness is going to happen as he’s getting back closer to full speed,” Blashill said. “But we got to get him going full speed.”

The Red Wings don’t have a morning skate Sunday due to the early start time for the game and won’t practice Monday, which makes it difficult for Zadina to simulate game situations. But he will skate Sunday and possibly Monday.

“It’s always hard in the NHL to get guys back going because rarely do you practice consistently in a row,” Blashill said. “We’ll take it day by day.”

The nature of the injury prevented Zadina from being on the ice for several weeks, so he’s just catching up conditioning-wise.

“I did some condition skating after and it was tough, but it’s something good for myself,” Zadina said. “Right now, I just need to be on the ice every day.

“Maybe conditioning is one of the hardest things to do after you are injured. But it’s getting better.”

Zadina has eight goals and seven assists in 28 games with the Red Wings, after starting the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180168 Detroit Red Wings “When they started, I thought it was going to be a little long, but it was well done, and got us going,” Larkin said. “I think Tyler was the one laughing at it the most. He’s probably the most Canadian guy I know. He really enjoyed that.” Red Wings turn back clock in spirited game against former rival Said Bertuzzi: “I loved Dumb and Dumber, so that was pretty cool to see (Daniels) here. They were funny.”

Updated Mar 07, 2020; Posted Mar 07, 2020

By Ansar Khan | [email protected] Michigan Live LOADED: 03.08.2020

DETROIT – For one night at least, the Detroit Red Wings went back in time to how many of their games were some seven years ago, when they regularly hosted a division rival in front of a festive crowd and enjoyed much success.

They don’t see the Chicago Blackhawks as much since moving to the Eastern Conference in 2013-14. Their building isn’t as packed or as lively as it once was. And they don’t win many games.

That’s why they will savor Friday’s 2-1 victory over the Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena, at least until the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that has beaten Detroit 16 consecutive times, visits on Sunday.

“We went through those three games or so around the trade deadline when we were bad,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “Since then we’ve gotten way better with our physical engagement, our emotional engagement, more talk on the bench. It just gives life to our team.

“Then the crowd, I think’s been awesome all year. I think our crowd’s done an unbelievable job and under extremely tough circumstances. They’ve been super supportive. Detroit fans respect hard work and physicality. I thought we did those two things tonight.”

Jonathan Bernier called the crowd engagement “awesome.”

“To be honest, with the season we’re having, we’re pretty fortunate to have fans that are here to support us every night,” he said. “That makes a big difference.”

The Red Wings (16-48-5) stopped a six-game slide (0-5-1) while snapping Chicago’s four-game winning streak and damaging the Blackhawks’s fading playoff hopes (31-29-8).

Tyler Bertuzzi (20-second mark) and Robby Fabbri (10:05 on the power play) scored in the second period off one-timers. But their best player, as has been the case most games since mid-December, was Bernier, who made 32 saves, allowing only Patrick Kane’s goal with 1:05 remaining in the second period.

Bernier is 9-12-1 since Dec. 12, no small feat given how much this team has struggled. He has an impressive 2.47 goals-against average and .923 save percentage during that stretch.

Bernier set the tone a little more than a minute into the game, sliding across his crease to rob Alex DeBrincat’s shot off a two-on-one rush.

“That was an elite, elite, elite save,” Blashill said. “I would have guessed it would have been in. What that did was just allow us to find our game. He made that save and I thought after that for 40 we were really good.”

Said Bernier: “I thought we gave up maybe a little bit too many odd-man rushes, but I thought our PK and our power play was really good.”

Why haven’t they been able to play like this more often?

“I have no idea. Wish I had the answer,” Bertuzzi said. “If we can take what we did tonight and keep going from there and build off that …”

Maybe they need actors Jeff Daniels and Dave Coulier to read the starting lineup to the team in the room more often before the games, like the Michigan natives and long-time Red Wings fans did on this night.

“Dave Coulier and I have become friends over the last number of years, and I see his prowess on the softball field at Joe Kocur’s event,” Blashill said. “I had never met Jeff Daniels but nice, nice man. I’m a big fan of his. So, when I found out they were coming, I texted with Cooler last night and asked if they wanted to do it.

“We’re playing the Chicago Blackhawks on a Friday night in front of a great crowd, let’s go out and enjoy it.”

Larkin said they lightened the mood before the game. 1180169 Edmonton Oilers Jones’s brother, Seth, certainly one of the NHL’s top eight defencemen, hopes to get back for the playoffs if the Blue Jackets are in. He’s manoeuvring around the rink on a scooter after surgery to repair his broken ankle after sliding into the goal netting. The left-shot Caleb, who Koskinen saves the Oilers big time as they hold off Blue Jackets played his off-side with Kris Russell against Columbus because coach Tippett wanted his puck-moving skills in the lineup, is not only younger by

three years, but smaller than his brother. Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal “Seth’s about 220 pounds. I’m 195,” said the Oilers rookie defenceman, March 7, 2020 11:49 PM MST who is still waiting to play against his brother. He was in Bakersfield earlier in the season when the clubs met in Ohio. Last year, he was in the AHL, too.

One of John Tortorella’s favourite lines has been: “Safe is death,” This ’n’ that: The Oilers invited three retired game-night stalwarts because he doesn’t like his teams playing not to lose. Saturday: Long-time goal-judge Ted McPhee, statistician Al Robertson, who started the night Glen Sather quit being a player and took over as But that was before everybody on his Columbus Blue Jackets was on Oilers coach in 1977, and the multi-faceted time-keeper/statistician/goal injured reserve, except the guy sharpening the skates and handing out judge Sandy Millar … The Oilers assigned defenceman William the sticks. Lagesson to Bakersfield with Oscar Klefbom activated off injured reserve With an NHL high 402 man-games lost to every malady except the … With Chiasson reaching double-figures in goals, the Oilers have eight coronavirus, Torts has cheered overtime or shootout just to get a point in guys who’ve spent the whole season here, who now have 10 or more 23 out of 70 games. But the Edmonton Oilers, in a Western Conference goals … Blue Jackets’ Russian rookie defenceman Vladimir Gavrikov playoff scramble just like the Eastern Conference wildcard hopeful Blue has a history with Anton Slepyshev, who’s likely returning to the Oilers Jackets, didn’t let the game get past 60 minutes Saturday, although it next season from the KHL as a bottom-six winger on a one or two-year was an ugly – capital UGLY – win punctuated by a pretty 45 saves by deal. “We’ve played together on national teams. Really powerful forward, Mikko Koskinen. good shot. I think he had a point in 16 straight games (CKSA),” said Gavrikov. They may have been in the mood to kick a team when they were down, but in the end they did just enough to win 4-1 on the strength of fantastic game by Koskinen. He had his sixth career shutout in his mitts, but the Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020 Oilers let Gus Nyquist get in behind them on a breakaway with a minute left.

“Our goalie was unbelievable … the rest of the group wasn’t so unbelievable,” said Oilers coach Dave Tippett. “I was worried this morning there wasn’t much juice, maybe mental fatigue, but we weren’t good.

“Our execution was poor, winning battles was poor but our goalie was really good, so we won. And the name of the game is to win, and we won. You do it in different ways. This was a really ugly one.

“Theories on why? Maybe because we got home at 3:30 in the morning Friday after playing three games in four days and now this is four in six. I know one thing, we’d have been in big trouble if we had been chasing the game.”

But they didn’t have to because of Koskinen, who was especially stingy early. They needed a terrific first 20 minutes from him, making 21 stops in that opening frame when the Jackets could have scored four times but got zip. They were somehow up 1-0 on Alex Chiasson’s softie from 40- feet that sailed through Joonas Korpisalo’s wickets three minutes in on the game’s first shot.

Koskinen got the breathing room he needed with Caleb Jones squeaking one through Korpisalo with four and a half minutes left, and Connor McDavid tapped one home a minute later. Riley Sheahan added the final one into the empty net.

Koskinen thought the shot barrage by the Blue Jackets was misleading, but he never blows his own horn.

“Lots of shots from the outside,” said the goalie, who was caught swimming once late in the third when Emil Bemstrom had a wide-open net to tie it, but his shot hit Draisaitl, who was hugging the crossbar.

He had the shutout, seemingly in the bag, until Nyquist put his own rebound home, which Koskinen shrugged off.

“Doesn’t matter, it just made it 3-1. Goal didn’t matter,” said Koskinen, who doesn’t have any NHL bonuses for shutouts. “Just in Russia (KHL).”

If the game was so boring the seats at Rogers Place would have walked out if they weren’t bolted to the floor, they got the job done because of Koskinen’s heroics to move into a tie with Vegas for top spot in the Pacific Division with 82 points. The Golden Knights are here Monday, followed by Winnipeg and the New York Islanders, with Edmonton also having six straight at Rogers Place later this month.

“We could put ourselves in a good spot if we finish off with a couple of really good home stands,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who played this game alongside McDavid, moving off his left wing spot with Draisaitl. 1180170 Edmonton Oilers “The body feels good. I don’t think you can go out and play a game if you’re scared or don’t want to be put in certain situations. I’m going to go out there and play like I’m 100 per cent because it feels that way.”

Edmonton Oilers return home to make their last stand FITTING IN

Andreas Athanasiou is still making the adjustment to the Oilers and to Dave Tippett’s system, but says he’s getting more and more comfortable Robert Tychkowski every game.

March 7, 2020 11:39 PM MST Ideally, he would be a top-six player in Edmonton, but he has to round out his game first and says there’s no urgency in his view to push him up

the lineup. The worst is over. “There are a lot of great players in this room, I think we have a really At least, as far as the Edmonton Oilers’ schedule goes. special team here,” said Athanasiou, who lined up with Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald to start Saturday’s game. “With a deep lineup like After playing nine of their last 12 games on the road and coming out of it this, you can be anywhere and play good hockey. Wherever it is, you just 6-4-2, the Oilers are now home for 10 of their final 14 games. go out there and work and do whatever you can for the team.”

With the playoffs and the season on the line, this is their last stand. And Among the messages he’s getting from the coaching staff is to just be this is exactly how they wanted it to go down. himself.

“When we looked at (the schedule) at the start of the year, in the back of “Just keep it simple and play my game. We’ve all played this game for a our minds this is something we thought about,” said Ryan Nugent- long time and we know what type of players we are. I know what my Hopkins. “That we could put ourselves in a good spot and finish off with a strengths are. It’s just about sticking to my game and not trying to do too couple of really good home stands. It’s an exciting time right now. It’s much.” what we were pushing for all year.”

At 16-10-5, the Oilers have been good, but not great, at Rogers Place this season. Only Anaheim and Chicago have fewer home ice wins in the Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020 Western Conference. With four- and six-game home stands on the schedule, stepping up their home game can mean the difference between home-ice advantage in the first round and something more nerve-wracking, like needing to beat Calgary on the final day of the season to secure a wildcard spot.

“We need to take these games very seriously, it’s a great opportunity for us,” said winger Zack Kassian, adding the energy in Edmonton should help the team’s cause.

“When we made the playoffs a couple of years ago, we could feel the intensity from the fans slowly start to ramp up in March. The closer we got to the playoffs, the more excited everyone got — players, fans, coaches. It’s a fun time.”

Even if it goes the other way, and the Oilers lose a couple of bad ones, they don’t think hometown pressure or stage fright will be an issue.

“Even if we have a tough couple of games, the atmosphere in here kind of brings you back to life,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “We can already get a sense of that. It’s easier to get yourself going again at home. It’s your fans, it’s your building.”

GLAD TO BE BACK

Oscar Klefbom missed not being part of the fun for the last three weeks, but it was comforting to know he didn’t have to hurry back from his shoulder problem.

The veteran defenceman realizes there is a hard road ahead of him and wanted to make sure he’s healed enough to withstand the upcoming grind. The Oilers winning without him meant he could take as much time as needed without having to hurry back.

“It was boring not being able to be on the ice and help the guys,” said Klefbom, who missed nine games while waiting for his shoulder to come around. “But it’s a long season and hopefully it’s going to be even longer this year with a nice playoffs, so I wanted to make sure we were good to go for a full playoff run.

“And the boys were doing a good job without me, so I’m happy right now. It’s all in our hands now, it’s up to us.”

With the evolution of Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones, and the addition of Mike Green (who is currently injured) the Oilers are as deep on defence as they’ve ever been.

“There are a lot of hard games (left),” said defenceman Adam Larsson. “Especially when it’s this tight, every game is going to be down to the buzzer. We need every player to play their best, their hardest game, every single night. That’s why you see injuries, and why it’s so good to have a deep group like we have. It’s good to have guys who can step in.”

Klefbom doesn’t think the shoulder will be an issue again. 1180171 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Game Day: Home for the stretch drive

Robert Tychkowski

March 7, 2020 3:00 AM MST

FIVE THINGS

1. HOME AGAIN

The Oilers are through a stretch where they played nine of 12 games on the road, going 6-4-2 in that span. Now they’re home for 10 of their final 14 games of the season. This is where they have to dig in and make a point of cashing in on home-ice advantage.

2. HOT NUGE

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid might be at the top of the NHL scoring race, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has one of the hottest hands on the team. He has 22 points in the last 14 games, including nine in the last four. He registered multi-point nights in seven of his last 14 games.

3. LAST TIME THEY MET

The Oilers are looking to make it a sweep of the Blue Jackets this season. Edmonton posted a 4-1 decision in Columbus on Oct. 30 in the second of back-to-back games after a loss in Detroit. Leon Draisaitl scored twice in the win, with Jujhar Khaira and James Neal adding singles.

4. IN THE CHASE

The Blue Jackets are fighting for one of the wildcard spots in the east, but they aren’t exactly launching a furious charge. They are just 2-4-4 in their last 10 games and just blew a 2-0 third-period lead in Calgary en route to a 3-2 loss. They need this one more than the Oilers do.

5. CLOSE CALLS

The Jackets might be well off the pace in the East, but they’re a handful every night. They’ve left a lot of points on the table, losing a league- leading 15 games in overtime or the shootout (double or triple what most teams have). Only six teams have fewer regulation losses than Columbus’s 21.

BIG MATCH UP

JOONAS KORPISALO VS. LEON DRAISAITL

The Blue Jackets don’t do a lot of scoring, but they can tighten up defensively and boast the fourth-best goals-against average in the NHL. When he’s on top of his game, Korpisalo can make life miserable for opposition shooters. He’s allowed 10 goals in his last three games (1-1- 1) and is coming off a tough loss in Calgary, so he and the Jackets will be hungry for redemption. Draisaitl, meanwhile, continues to carve his initials in this season. He has 11 points in his last four games for 110 on the season. If a goalie is having an off night, he’s going to exploit it.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180172 Edmonton Oilers him away from the elite competition, preferring to use Klefbom in a more offensive (and less difficult defensively) situation.

I value Puck IQ metrics to measure defensive ability, as it bins Lowetide: Oscar Klefbom’s return and usage a key element for Oilers competition and allows us to drill down on the minutes in a game where stretch run elite opposition is on the ice. That’s the most important part of the game most nights. Puck IQ’s innovation doesn’t stop there, as the Dangerous Fenwick measure is a weighted shot metric using shot distance, location and type of shot to give each shot a “danger” value. It’s shot differential By Allan Mitchell with a brain. Here are Klefbom’s career numbers, by year, against elite Mar 7, 2020 competition:

Tippett has reduced the time on ice against elites (Nurse now faces the toughest minutes among lefties), giving us an indication that he may well When a new coach arrives in an NHL city, it’s always interesting to see be altering usage with Klefbom. The drag on possession relative to his how roles change for veterans. A recent example is Oilers coach Dave teammates may also be a reflection of time spent with young players. Tippett and his handling of Oscar Klefbom this season. The veteran Although Klefbom-Larsson’s performance against elites (45.60 DFF defenceman is close to returning and might be in the lineup Saturday percentage in 174 minutes, 5-4 goals) is on par with Nurse-Bear’s against the Blue Jackets. It’s a good time to look at Tippett’s usage of numbers against the best (45.50 DFF percentage in 404 minutes, 21-17 Klefbom and what we might see over the rest of the season and beyond. goals).

Based on early usage, I think Tippett has been trying to use Klefbom as a What does it all mean? mentor for the young defencemen coming down the prospect pipeline. At different points in the season, Edmonton’s top defender has been Let’s go back to the original questions: Is Tippett using Klefbom as a partnered with rookies Ethan Bear, Joel Persson and Caleb Jones, mentor for youth? I think the evidence showed he tried several times, although each time injury or struggles impacted the pairing. with Bear, then Persson and then Jones. Persson’s struggles and Larsson’s injuries dashed the plan but Tippett may attempt to track back Is Tippett using Klefbom as a mentor for youth? And does he see later this year or next season. Klefbom-Bear is especially tempting. Klefbom in an offensive role next season, perhaps with Evan Bouchard? Who could Klefbom be best paired with this season in order to deliver a Does Tippett see Klefbom in an offensive role next season, perhaps with pairing fitting the skills of forward lines that feature Connor McDavid and Bouchard? There’s no doubt at all Klefbom will play a major role, but Leon Draisaitl? Let’s see if we can answer these questions. young Bouchard is a substantial puck mover and his skill set is made for the power play. It’ll be a period of transition for the veteran, perhaps an The 2019-20 season easier adjustment if both men play together at even strength and the power play. In the early games of 2019-20, Klefbom’s usage involved playing with young blue and being used in a more offensive deployment. You may Who could Klefbom be best paired with this season in order to deliver a recall Klefbom was paired with Bear on opening night in 2019-20, before pairing fitting the skills of forward lines that feature McDavid and moving to a tandem with Persson for Game 2 after Adam Larsson’s injury Draisaitl? The answer might be Bear, but breaking up that top pair will be in the first game of the season. In the game with Persson, Klefbom difficult. received a zone start push (eight offensive, four defensive) and played almost eight minutes with McDavid. If we assume Tippett plans to run Nurse-Bear then the logical pairings are Klefbom-Larsson and Jones-Benning, with Russell rotating on the At that point of the season, a good guess would have had Klefbom third pair. If Tippett wants to change things up, Klefbom-Bear makes as playing major power play minutes, getting offensive zone starts and much sense now as it did on opening night. Placing that tandem on the being matched with the top skill lines at 5-on-5 — all the while helping a ice with the Draisaitl or McDavid line could give the team a major boost rookie adjust to the NHL. over the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

That’s the role I see Tippett using him in when he returns and into next season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 Persson was not able to handle the rigours of the NHL game (although he remains a fascinating player). By Oct. 16, the game against the Flyers, Klefbom was paired with veteran Kris Russell. Bear, Klefbom’s partner opening night, had formed a strong tandem with Darnell Nurse in the weeks after the Larsson injury.

On the night Larsson returned to action, Nov. 21 in Los Angeles, Tippett once again used Klefbom with a rookie, this time Jones. Once again the pairing spent substantial time with the McDavid line at 5-on-5.

On Nov. 23, Klefbom and Larsson played together again and have been partners for most of the season. Here are Klefbom’s partners this season (all numbers 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick) and possession numbers.

These are small sample sizes, save for the Klefbom-Larsson information. Even with that understood, I think it’s worth mentioning the Klefbom-Bear partnership shines like a diamond. All metrics are above 50 percent. Tippett’s instincts were correct and it’s worth arguing for that duo to return when everyone is healthy.

Puck IQ

The numbers above are 5-on-5 and focused around on-ice performance. Klefbom is quality with the puck, having delivered between 28-38 points in three of the last four seasons, including this one.

The appeal of Klefbom is the range of his skills that can be considered above average in the NHL. His passing, shooting and skating (when healthy) make him a strong candidate for heavy usage in all disciplines.

He has good coverage skills and is a fine complementary player to a shutdown option like Larsson. Klefbom has been used heavily against elite competition during his Oilers career, I wondered if Tippett moved 1180173 Florida Panthers

On big night for Roberto Luongo, Panthers goalie Chris Driedger also delivered a win

BY WALTER VILLA MIAMI HERALD WRITER

MARCH 07, 2020 10:22 PM

On a night in which a great goalie was honored, Chris Driedger was pretty good, too, making 33 saves and leading the host Florida Panthers to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

Prior to Saturday’s game, the Panthers retired former goalie Roberto Luongo’s No. 1 jersey. Luongo, who is third in NHL history with 489 wins, became the first player in Panthers history to have his number retired.

“It was unbelievable,” Driedger said of the ceremony to retire Luongo’s jersey.

With the win, the Panthers now trail the idle Toronto Maple Leafs by just three points in the race for the third and final Atlantic Division playoff berth. Florida has 14 games left. Toronto has 13 remaining.

Saturday’s game was scoreless midway through the second period, but then Lucas Wallmark, MacKenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman scored for the Panthers, and Driedger, 25, improved to 6- 2-1 in just his 10th career start.

For Wallmark, it was his first goal as a member of the Panthers. It was also just his sixth game since he was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 24.

This game was selected for Luongo’s ceremony because he is a Montreal native. Luongo retired after last season.

The star-studded goalie matchup of Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky against Montreal’s Carey Price — which would’ve been expected less than one week ago — never happened. Bobrovsky is out due to a lower-body injury, and Price was rested.

Due to injury, Driedger didn’t play from Jan. 17 until he came back Thursday. But he has been sharp since returning, allowing just three goals in two games.

Montreal backup Charlie Lindgren, who played well early before faltering, made 28 saves on Saturday.

Florida opened the scoring with 10:22 gone in the second. Wallmark faked a shot from the left circle and drove to the net, finishing by flipping a backhander over Lindgren’s left pad.

Lindgren allowed a soft goal with 41 seconds expired in the third as Weegar shot a fluttering puck past him from above the left circle.

Florida made it 3-0 with 15:47 left in the third as Erik Haula’s brilliant pass from deep in the right corner found Huberdeau right in front for a tap-in goal.

With 11:56 left in the third, Jake Evans roofed a hard shot from the right circle, and it zipped past Driedger to spoil his shutout attempt.

But Hoffman’s empty-net goal with 1:54 ended Montreal’s comeback hopes.

Miami Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180174 Florida Panthers A six-time All-Star, Luongo is a family man, a part of the Parkland community and also an avid golfer and poker player. But the Panthers are still a big part of his heart.

Emotional Roberto Luongo has jersey retired by Florida Panthers at “I’m here every day, and I’m at every home game,” Luongo said. “I feel BB&T ceremony like part of the team still. The losses hurt just as much.”

Luongo now joins the other retired jerseys for South Florida’s other major sports franchises: Bob Griese (12), Dan Marino (13) and Larry Csonka BY WALTER VILLA MIAMI HERALD WRITER for the Dolphins; and Chris Bosh (1), Dwyane Wade (3), Tim Hardaway (10) and Alonzo Mourning (33) for the Heat. MARCH 07, 2020 08:21 PM

Miami Herald LOADED: 03.08.2020 Former goalie Roberto Luongo, who on Saturday night became the first Florida Panthers player to have his number retired and his jersey raised to the rafters at the BB&T Center, hadn’t thought much about what this would feel like … until recently.

Luongo, who split nearly all of his career between the Panthers and the Vancouver Canucks, visited that aforementioned city on Feb. 12. That’s when the Canucks retired the numbers of his ex-teammates, the Sedin twins, No. 22 Daniel and No. 33 Henrik.

“I realized how special a moment it was,” Luongo said of the Sedins’ ceremony, “and I started thinking about my own.”

Luongo, a 40-year-old Montreal native, played 19 years in the NHL and won 489 games, which ranks third in league history. He’s second all-time in games played by goalies with 392, ninth in shutouts (77) and tied for sixth in save percentage (.919). His jersey was retired — fittingly enough — before his Panthers played his hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens.

Before the game, Luongo fielded questions in English and French, handling each of them as easily as the thousands of pucks he stopped in his career.

Luongo, who is now employed by the Panthers in hockey operations, said he enjoys seeing fans wearing his replica jersey, No. 1. He also said that the number itself has always had meaning to him.

“When I was a kid, No. 1 meant being No. 1 — being the best at everything or at least trying to be the best,” Luongo said. “No. 1 in your program and No. 1 in your heart … It’s nice to know you are somebody’s favorite player.”

Luongo was certainly No. 1 for many Panthers fans, who greeted him with the familiar call of “Luuuuu” again on Saturday. Luongo choked up several times during an emotional speech, when thanking his wife, Gina, children Gianna and Gabriella, GM , owner Vinnie Viola and the fans.

Panthers coach Joel Quenneville, who is in his first year with this franchise, never coached Luongo, who retired after last season. But Quenneville, while with the Chicago Blackhawks, coached against Luongo and the Canucks in some epic playoff battles.

“He had a special career, and he’s meant a lot to everybody in South Florida,” Quenneville said. “This is a special night. He has been great for the game, great for the league and great for the goaltending union [a reference to the large salaries he commanded]. He is very deserving of this honor.”

Growing up, Luongo was cut from his peewee team, causing him to switch to goalie. His career took off at his new position, and he emulated goalie Grant Fuhr, an NHL star for Stanley Cup-winning Edmonton in those days.

Luongo, the fourth overall NHL Draft pick in 1997, played just 24 games with his original organization, the New York Islanders. On June 24, 2000, the Panthers acquired Luongo and in a deal with the Islanders, who got and Oleg Kvasha.

Luongo was involved in two more big trades. On June 23, 2006, he was traded to Vancouver, and, on March 4, 2014, the Panthers reacquired him.

And although he never won a Stanley Cup or a Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie, Luongo won two Olympic gold medals — in 2010 as Canada’s starter and in 2014 as Carey Price’s backup. 1180175 Florida Panthers I’m fully invested in trying to bring whatever I can to take this team to somewhere it’s never been before.”

Roberto Luongo makes more Panthers history with jersey retirement Sun Sentinel LOADED: 03.08.2020

By BRETT SHWEKY

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL

MAR 07, 2020 | 6:06 PM

SUNRISE

Roberto Luongo’s No. 1 jersey was forever enshrined in Florida Panthers history on Saturday at the BB&T Center, as he became the first player to have his number retired by the organization.

Roberto Luongo was a fixture between the pipes during the 11 years he spent with the Florida Panthers, and now the goalie’s No. 1 jersey will forever hang from the rafters in Sunrise.

On Saturday at the BB&T Center, the six-time All-Star became the first player to have his number retired by the organization.

Luongo — one of the most popular players in Panthers history — said he was caught up in the moment, capping 20 years in the NHL.

“I think I started thinking about it when I was in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago for [Henrik] Sedin’s jersey retirement," Luongo said before the ceremony. "Just realizing how big and special that moment was, it go me thinking about my own.

“In the last few days, obviously, my friends and family have been coming into town and I’ve been receiving a lot of messages," he added. "So, the last 24 hours have been pretty intense.”

Before the Panthers faced off against Luongo’s hometown Montreal Canadiens, the five-time all-star delivered an emotional address to the Florida Panthers fans, reflecting on his career.

Fans in attendance were welcomed to the event with a Luongo No. 1 jersey retirement replica banner to commemorate the special night. The Panthers players also honored the franchise great by warming up in No. 1 Luongo jerseys and wearing special Luongo helmet decals for the game.

Florida previously retired two other numbers — 93 for the team’s first president, Bill Torrey, to commemorate the franchise’s inaugural game in 1993, and 37 in honor of franchise founder H. Wayne Huizenga, who died in 2018. The Huizenga family chose the number in recognition of his birth year and lucky number.

Luongo — in an exclusive group of pros to have spent more than 10 seasons playing in South Florida, one that includes Dan Marino and Dwyane Wade — expects to further extend his roots in South Florida.

“It’s pretty special,” Luongo said. “When I first got here when I was younger everybody always talked about Dan Marino and Marino was everywhere. South Florida is my home, so I’m going to be here a long time.”

The Panthers originally traded for Luongo from the New York Islanders on June 20, 2000. During his first five seasons with the Panthers, he became tied for the third-most shutouts and was named a finalist for the 2003-04 Vezina Trophy.

He spent the next eight seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before he returned to Florida in 2014.

The three-time Veniza finalist played 11 seasons with the Panthers and is the franchise’s leader in wins (230), shutouts (38) and saves (16,068). With 489 career victories under his belt, he ranks third-most in NHL history behind only Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy.

Luongo, who was the fourth pick in the 1997 draft by the Islanders, also holds two Olympic gold medals for Canada (2010, 2014) and led the team to the 2004 title.

“This is definitely not the end,” Luongo said, who is still working for the Panthers in an advisory role. “Maybe it’s the end on the ice but I’m here everyday. I’m at every home game. I feel like I’m part of the team still... 1180176 Los Angeles Kings Most notably, they voted in favor of changing the application of the offside rule to allow players to be deemed onside as long as one of a player’s skates is above the vertical plane of the blue line even if it’s not in contact with the ice. The recommendation will go to the joint NHL/NHL NHL observations: Coronavirus starting to have major impact on hockey Players’ Assn. competition committee and from there to the Board of world Governors, which has final say.

HOCKEY

By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST Elliott: Sled hockey helps teenage double amputee thrive: ‘I’m in the best place possible’ MARCH 7, 20205:26 PM The broader interpretation is intended to lead to more goals and fewer

disruptive coach’s challenges. There were 18 coach’s challenges for The coronavirus outbreak has begun to impact hockey on global and skate-in-the-air situations through the first 1,015 games played this local levels. The International Ice Hockey Federation announced season and in 14 cases goals were nullified. “It’s not a change in the rule, Saturday it had canceled the women’s world hockey championships, and it’s a change in the application of the rule to not be required to have the NHL edged toward taking steps that could include ordering teams to contact with the ice but for the skate to be over the blue line when the play in empty arenas in an effort to avoid crowds in which the virus could puck crosses the line,” said Kris King, the league’s senior vice president spread. of hockey operations.

“We are dealing with a rapidly evolving situation and are preparing for all General managers also recommended no change to procedures that contingencies,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said by email govern the use of emergency backup goaltenders, which produced the Saturday morning. delightful story of 42-year-old David Ayres recording a win for Carolina at Toronto on Feb. 22. However, every emergency backup who is Last week, the league told employees to cancel business travel outside registered with the league’s Central Registry department will be required North America. It also advised teams to tell players to avoid close contact to undergo a physical exam before the season. There are 136 registered with fans and to skip high-fives or accepting items from fans. emergency backups this season.

Although it was reported the NHL told teams to close their locker rooms Ayres, who drives the ice resurfacing machine at Toronto’s Mattamy to media in order to control the spread of the virus, not every team has Athletic Centre on the former site of Maple Leaf Gardens and done so. On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals occasionally practiced with the team, played the final 29 minutes for the opened their locker rooms after their games and the Ducks opened their Hurricanes against Toronto after in-game injuries left Petr Mrazek and room after they practiced. James Reimer unable to play.

The San Jose Sharks, however, kept their room closed after practice He made eight saves in becoming the oldest goalie in NHL history to win Friday and the Dallas Stars closed their locker room after their game his regular-season debut, generating the best publicity the NHL has had Saturday. Those teams brought players to a designated interview area. in a long time as he became a sought-after guest on TV talk shows in the U.S. and Canada. The Kings on Saturday closed their locker room to media “for precautionary reasons,” a club spokesman said. Goaltender Cal Also during the meetings, Daly said the salary cap for next season is Petersen wore gloves while speaking to reporters in a newly designated projected to be between $84 million and $88.2 million, up from $81.5 interview area at Staples Center. million this season. The figure won’t be announced until June, though Daly said the league and the NHLPA have discussed possible ways to The IIHF cited “safety concerns for the well-being of players, officials, calculate the cap number sooner. and spectators” in canceling the women’s world championships, which were to be played in the Canadian cities of Halifax and Truro from March League executives also said puck and player tracking technology is in 31 through April 10. The decision follows a precedent set in 2003, when the final testing stages and will be ready for TV broadcasts of the playoffs the women’s tournament was canceled in response to a SARS outbreak this spring. In reality, that’s a mixed blessing. In previous experiments, in host country China. The U.S. women’s team has won the last five the puck trails and information generated by the tracking system have world titles. cluttered the screen so much that the action is difficult to follow. It will evolve, no doubt. “Ultimately the IIHF council feels that there has not been enough of an improvement to the coronavirus situation to allow us to safely host a 10- team international tournament within this time frame,” IIHF president Rene Fasel said. He added that Halifax and Truro will be given the LA Times: LOADED: 03.08.2020 chance host next year’s women’s world championship, pending final approval.

The status of other international hockey tournaments will be evaluated in the coming weeks, Fasel said. The men’s under-18 world championships are scheduled to be played April 16-26 in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Mich. The men’s world championships are scheduled to be played in May in Switzerland.

Also last week, the NHL’s Seattle expansion franchise postponed releasing season ticket prices and a seat selection process that would have brought visitors to a preview center. According to the Seattle Times, the decision was made “out of respect for concerns the team’s fans may have” over the coronavirus. The team is scheduled to begin play in 2021- 22.

The situation remains fluid and it’s not far-fetched to think NHL games will be postponed or canceled. “Wash your hands. Be safe,” Dustin Brown said after recording a hat trick in the Kings’ 7-3 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. Wise words in any situation.

The NHL always seems intent on reinventing itself. Maybe driven by a misguided desire to try to please everyone, league executives can rarely get through a season without changing a rule, tweaking another one, and generally fixing things that aren’t broken.

That’s why it was surprising to see sanity prevail when general managers met in Florida last week and made some sensible decisions. 1180177 Los Angeles Kings

Women’s hockey world championships canceled because of coronavirus outbreak

By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST

MARCH 7, 202011:19 AM

The women’s world hockey championships, which were scheduled to start on March 31 and to be played over the course of two weeks in the Canadian cities of Truro and Halifax, were canceled on Saturday due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak and the safety of players and fans.

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, told the Associated Press that the decision to cancel the event was made during a conference call on Saturday. The tournament was canceled once before, in 2003, when China was set to play host in the face of an outbreak of SARS, another respiratory illness.

In a statement on the IIHF website, Fasel said the organization decided that Halifax and Truro, in Nova Scotia, will instead host the 2021 women’s world championships.

“It is with great regret that we must take this action,” Fasel said. “It was not an easy decision to make, as we were greatly looking forward to hosting this tournament in Canada. Nevertheless, the decision has been made due to safety concerns for the well-being of players, officials, and spectators.

“Ultimately the IIHF Council feels that there has not been enough of an improvement to the coronavirus situation to allow us to safely host a 10- team international tournament within this time frame. We look forward to coming to Canada in 2021.”

The U.S. has won the last five straight women’s world titles. This year’s field, in addition to the U.S., was to be comprised of teams from Canada, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Hungary. The women’s world championships are the most anticipated event each year for elite female hockey players, many of whom are shunning the National Women’s Hockey League this season because they feel the league doesn’t pay a living wage or provide fair working conditions.

The status of other upcoming international hockey tournaments will be evaluated in the coming weeks, Fasel said. The men’s under-18 world championships are scheduled to be played April 16-26 in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Mich. The men’s world championships are scheduled for May in Switzerland. “For sure, we are concerned and we are monitoring this,” he said.

Elliotte Friedman of “Hockey Night in Canada” reported Saturday that the NHL, heeding recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding ways to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus, has told teams to close their locker rooms to the media and instead conduct interviews in a formal briefing area.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, asked if the league had formulated plans to play games without fans in arenas — a possibility the NBA has raised with its clubs in a memo — said via email: “We are dealing with a rapidly evolving situation and are preparing for all contingencies.”

LA Times: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180178 Los Angeles Kings But as she grew, her struggles increased. Her legs couldn’t support her anymore, and she’d need a wheelchair. When one of her doctors suggested amputating both legs above the knee, David was opposed. Fami, a nurse, was more open to the idea. So was Lera, then 14. “I Column: Sled hockey helps teenage double amputee thrive: ‘I’m in the quickly came to deciding to do that, but it was really hard to commit up best place possible’ until the day of the surgery,” she said. “I really had to put my trust in God and the people who were working with me. And I had to trust myself that I

would commit to this situation.” By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST David said the decision was made collectively by family members and MARCH 7, 20206 AM her doctors, “but if Lera had said, no, I don’t want to do this, we wouldn’t.” It was elective surgery, not completely covered by insurance, so the Doederleins’ second son Isaac, a jiu jitsu standout, helped raise money by starting a Gofundme account. “He was always practicing his skills on SAN DIEGO — Adults stared at her over their cellphones, ready to flick me and pinning me to the ground and whatnot,” Lera said, laughing. “My their eyes downward if Lera Doederlein saw them gazing at her, but kids older brothers always stuck up for me.” regarded her with open curiosity. She was about to go on the ice for an informal sled hockey practice and wasn’t wearing her prosthetic legs, The procedure was successful because she threw herself into instead moving around on the short, blue-star-decorated legs she calls rehabilitation with her typical dedication. It was a turning point for her. her slippers. Without her microprocessor-equipped legs she’s small, but “Before then I wasn’t really sure where my life would go. I was unhappy her poise and radiant smile give her a large presence. with the way I was walking, and my thought process was just so negative,” she said. “And now I’m looking at life in such a great way that I She’s accustomed to gawkers, so she ignored the trailing eyes as she know where I want to be in my life. I have a great family and friends, and made her way through the shopping mall food court and down the stairs I just continue to thrive, and without that surgery I don’t think that ever at UTC Ice in La Jolla. Pushing past a plastic curtain, she went to the would have happened.” scarred white plastic benches to put on her gear and pulled a Ducks jersey over her head before she climbed into her bucket-like sled. “At first While meeting with the prosthetist who fitted her new legs, Lera met Mike it was really hard. I was thinking, ‘These people are so annoying. They’re Schulenberg, a single, above-knee amputee who played for the Arizona staring at me.’ I got self-conscious,” she said of being watched. “But I’m Coyotes’ sled hockey team. Double amputees thrive in sled hockey, he here to do what I do. I mean, I play hockey, I go to school. I don’t care said. She wasn’t a hockey fan because she didn’t think she could play what you think. This is my life and I’m here.” the sport. She had never considered sled hockey an option for her. “He looked at me for one second and said, ‘You’ve got to try sled hockey.’ So Doederlein, 16, is living on her own adventurous terms. Her spirit and he invited me out to a practice, and as soon as I hit the ice, something ambition define her, not the physical limits she constantly pushes. just clicked,” she said. Doederlein plays sled hockey for the San Diego Ducks, who are affiliated Her initial experience was in a too-big borrowed sled. “But even then it with the Ducks, and is a member of the U.S. women’s national was clear that the way she moved, that she had some potential,” David development team, the top level because women’s sled hockey isn’t yet said. A $2,000 grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which a Paralympics sport. She was chosen this season’s 21st Duck, an annual was presented to her during an appearance on the NHL Network, award that honors perseverance, character and courage. After an allowed her to get equipment that maximizes her skills. She scoots opening night appearance she was invited back to address the team and quickly around the ice now, and her sled, with its skate blade beneath the read the lineup before a game. She hopes to go cycling with coach seat, has a short turning radius. She has the upper-body strength to Dallas Eakins this summer, since hand-cycling is another of her passions propel herself forward using shortened sticks that have angled picks at and might be her best path to the Paralympics. one end, and she scored 10 of her team’s 19 goals last April at a From the moment she tried sled hockey it became an ideal outlet for her disabled hockey festival, according to her proud father. energy and athletic talent. It has become much more than a game for On a recent night she and teammate Zachary Grover took turns shooting her. “I was like, this is so empowering. It’s freedom. It’s happiness. It’s all at goaltender Parker Olenick on a section of the rink reserved for them, a of that in one bit,” she said. “From there I just knew it was my sport.” creative session before the Pacific sled hockey tournament against Born in Marks, in Russia, she was diagnosed at birth with arthrogryposis teams representing the Kings, Vegas Golden Knights and Coyotes. multiplex, which affected joints in both legs. She would not be able to Standup skaters occasionally encroached on their ice, but Lera and her walk without crutches and braces, her mother was told. It would be a lot teammates dodged them with ease. Once, her sled tipped, over but she for a poor family in a small town to deal with. The doctor convinced her righted herself and got back into the action. David watched calmly at mother to put her up for adoption and the next day was placed in an rinkside. orphanage, where she basically sat in a crib all day without hugs or “I’m more worried about her when she does hand-cycling because that stimulation. can be dangerous, more dangerous than hockey,” David said. “You get It was pure chance that she was found by David and Fami Doederlein, out on the road, you can run yourself off the road, a car can hit you.” who had three children but had room in their hearts for a special needs The hour went by fast. She was on to the next activity, the next dream, child. A friend had given them a VHS tape of children at the orphanage the next barrier she intends to overcome. and had mentioned one she thought they’d like. “We were scrolling through the tape, and before we even saw the child that she wanted us to “My motto is no bad days. Just keep your head up and keep going,” she see, we saw Lera. And right away we knew she was the one,” said her said. “I’m definitely one of the lucky ones. Being born at the time that I father, David, who works in data analytics and merchandising for Petco was and being seen by my adoptive parents, it has just been an near the family’s home in Rancho Bernardo. opportunity that I will never take for granted. Most kids in my situation never got the opportunity to play the sports they wanted, or to have great “She had bright eyes, she was very inquisitive and she was very aware friends and family. I’m in the best place possible right now.” of her surroundings. She was looking around and we noticed that when the nurse gave her a toy she looked at it, but when the nurse took the toy away, Lera immediate followed her as she walked away. Almost as if she wanted to say, ‘Where did my toy go?’” LA Times: LOADED: 03.08.2020

The adoption process went quickly, and she was 21 months old when they took her home. She picked up English quickly and joined in school activities. “When Lera was growing up, she always wanted to play sports, but she was very limited because she was on braces and crutches,” David said. “She would do things like fun runs at the elementary school. She would go around on her braces and crutches with everybody else. Everybody would zoom past her, but she always finished. When we’d visit my parents, they had a little basketball court in their complex, and she’d always be out there throwing the ball.” 1180179 Los Angeles Kings there,” Foligno said. “Just constant ones where we had momentum and then shot ourselves in the foot.”

Minnesota had scored an equalizer a mere 12 seconds into the middle Dustin Brown hat trick leads Kings to 5th win in a row frame when they won an offensive-zone draw, leading to a backhand shot by right wing Mats Zuccarello, who earned the first of his two assists on the night. Petersen’s kick save created an easy follow-up opportunity for Foligno, who knotted the game at one. By ANDREW KNOLL The Kings struck first off a tempered rush. Brown flung a wrist shot to the PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 4:13 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at far side that caromed off Stalock’s right pad. The juicy rebound found 5:45 p.m. Kopitar’s stick, and the Kings captain flicked the puck in to give the Kings a lead 5:16 into the game.

If tanking for top-ranked prospect Alexis Lafreniere was the goal, The goal was somewhat reminiscent of former Kings defenseman Alec apparently no one relayed that message to the Kings and their veteran Martinez’s 2014 Stanley Cup-winning goal. leaders. “I was expecting the jazz hands (celebration),” Brown said. “It was very, Right wing Dustin Brown had a hat trick in a game in which he and center very similar.” Anze Kopitar combined for four goals and seven points en route to the

Kings’ season-high fifth consecutive win, a 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center. Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.08.2020 The Kings have won eight of their past 11 games, by far their most successful stretch of this season’s schedule.

“They’re taking responsibility for the team and the group on both sides of the puck. They’re working as hard defensively as they are offensively,” McLellan said of his veteran forwards.

Left wing Trevor Moore, rookie center Gabe Vilardi and center Blake Lizotte, a Minnesota native, also tallied for the Kings. The Wild got goals from left wing Marcus Foligno – who added an assist – defenseman Jared Spurgeon and center Luke Kunin.

In net, rookie Cal Petersen won his third consecutive decision, stopping 25 of 28 shots. Alex Stalock, who had been dominant since the All-Atar break, made 28 of 34 possible saves in the loss for Minnesota.

“It was one of our best team efforts since I’ve been here,” Petersen said. “We controlled most of the game and really limited their chances and when we had a chance to score, we finished and put them on their heels the whole time. It’s indicative of how we’ve been playing.”

The Wild had ascended from obscurity and, briefly, into a playoff spot, going 11-3-1 in their previous 15 games. The Kings dealt them a blow in a crowded race that has five teams within two points of each other for the two Western Conference wild-card berths.

Brown took over the game late, scoring with 2:13 left off a stellar individual effort by going backhand-to-forehand deftly, before finishing off his sixth career hat trick with an empty-net goal. Vilardi added a late marker, his second goal of the season.

“They always feel good. It was really weird because I was talking about hat tricks with (Lizotte) in between periods,” Brown said.

The Wild had gotten a goal from Kunin off a backhand during a sequence in which they stormed the net with 4:25 to play, reducing the Kings’ edge to one goal.

Spurgeon scored at the 5:33 mark of the third period as he waited out an opportunity to launch a wrist shot past Petersen on the far side, cutting the Kings’ lead to 4-2.

“We scored seven, but we also had a 4-1 lead with 10 minutes left. To have be a 4-3 lead and have to gut it out was not the best scenario,” Brown said.

Brown appeared to have sealed the victory for the Kings four minutes into the closing stanza when he stuffed in a rebound left by defenseman Ben Hutton, who nearly finished a nifty back-door play off a feed from Kopitar.

The Kings pulled ahead for the second time 7:36 into the second stanza when left wing Adrian Kempe feathered a pass across to Lizotte, whose swift redirection became his sixth goal of the season.

Less than a minute later, they extended their lead when Kopitar forced a turnover by Alex Galchenyuk, who had also coughed up the puck on the previous goal. Moore collected the puck, dashed in on goal and roofed a shot over Stalock, who had laid out for an unsuccessful poke check.

“They get two goals right in a minute, or something like that. Those things kill you on the road. They’re just mistakes, and were a lot of mistakes out 1180180 Los Angeles Kings “Better safe than sorry,” Petersen said. “This time of the year, flu season. I guess you guys are the enemy.”

Has any of this prompted him to change his habits? Coronavirus will cause Kings to alter plans for scouting, media interviews “Mostly just wash my hands,” Petersen said. “My dad is kind of a germaphobe, so he’s always texting me. … I’m probably most in a bubble, being (a) professional hockey player, basically sealing us off.” By Lisa Dillman Petersen said his father would approve, adding, “If he was watching me, Mar 7, 2020 he’s going to appreciate me wearing the gloves.”

LOS ANGELES — The Kings, arguably, could be going into a franchise- The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 changing NHL Draft in June, with four picks in the first two rounds, six in the first three, and 11 selections in all.

Accordingly, their amateur scouting staff already has put in a massive amount of work but there is plenty of heavy lifting ahead for the group in North America and Europe. In fact, this is a particularly meaningful stretch-run evaluation period for the prospects.

To that end, what does the spreading coronavirus and concerns about international and domestic travel mean for the Kings’ amateur scouting department?

Kings general manager Rob Blake said the organization will be adopting the AEG policy, which stated that the parent company will be working directly with local public health officials and taking note of Center for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO (World Health Organization) advisories.

But does it mean, generally, pulling their scouts back a little?

“It will, eventually, yes,” Blake said Saturday. “We’re concerned. But AEG has been on top of it, and the NHL.”

Craig Custance of The Athletic reported Saturday that the men’s U18 world championships are still on but that the situation is being monitored, according to a source.

Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon told Custance last week: “I’ve likened the (U18) world championships to final exams,” when it comes to draft preparation.

That tournament is next month in Plymouth, Mich. I asked Blake about that event, as well as other impactful upcoming games and tournaments in Europe. The Kings’ head European scout, Christian Ruuttu, is based in Finland.

“We’ve got (Ruuttu) and Jussi (Kari-Koskinen) already over there (in Europe),” Blake said. “I think (director of amateur scouting) Mark (Yannetti) was the only one scheduled to go over in the next little while. We’ll discuss Monday what his plans are.”

Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray has been discussing the issue with his director of amateur scouting Martin Madden but said they haven’t cancelled any trips as of now. Murray also does a substantial amount of scouting himself.

Of note, the Ducks have two first-round picks this year, their own and that of the Boston Bruins. They had two first-round selections last year, taking Trevor Zegras at No. 9 and Brayden Tracey at No. 29.

In terms of the coronavirus response, one tangible measure was put into effect on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center, following the Kings’ 7-3 win against the Minnesota Wild, which was their fifth straight victory.

For precautionary reasons, the Kings held their post-game media session with select players – Dustin Brown, who had a hat trick and added an assist, and goaltender Cal Petersen – in the visiting NBA locker room, instead of the Kings’ dressing room, which was kept closed.

Kings coach Todd McLellan followed Brown and Petersen, but he has been holding his post-game sessions in that room all season. The Minnesota Wild held post-game availability with interim head coach Dean Evason and selected players in the hallway.

Brown smiled, telling reporters: “Wash your hands, be safe.”

Then there was this…

Petersen approached the podium and joked with the media about the black gloves he was wearing. 1180181 Los Angeles Kings because so much can happen over the summer. I do believe in icing the best possible team we can, so if we continue to play really well, and you qualify after training camp to be on that team, then great. But you better come back to camp and show us again, and there are a lot of players MARCH 7: POST-GAME NOTES, HIGHLIGHTS, TODD MCLELLAN right now – I’ve said it numerous times – desperately fighting to stay in QUOTES the league and stay on our team. That will continue to the end of the year. You never bring back the same team, ever. It doesn’t happen

anywhere in any scenario, so not everybody will be back. But if you are, JON ROSEN you better start earning it at training camp. And we’re talking way ahead now, but it goes with your question. MARCH 7, 2020 Cal Petersen, on the win:

I think it was one of our best team efforts since I’ve been here. I think we Todd McLellan, on what he liked about the win: controlled most of the game and really limited their chances and when we had a chance to score, we finished and put them on their heels the Scoring goals, obviously. It’s not often that our team gets to celebrate whole time. I think it’s indicative of how we’ve been playing so far. that many times in one game. A lot of them came late, but we still enjoyed it. Gave our goaltender enough run support. I thought our Dustin Brown, on the team’s performance since the trade deadline: penalty kill again was outstanding. We checked pretty well, got a little bit sloppy around our net there in the third, but for the most part it was a Once you kind of get through the deadline as a player, as a group of pretty good team game, so I’m starting to sound repetitive as a coach players, you see teams start to play a little better after, regardless of their after a lot of games, which is a good thing. That means we’re finding situation. Guys have been able to relax a little bit, in a good way, and some consistency, we’re doing some things right. We’re not cheating a focus on what we want to do. I think we’ve been well prepared and lot to win, we’re winning the right way. It means we’re moving the needle executed really well in our systems and that can snowball into everyone forward. [Reporter: What does that mean when you say, ‘cheating?’] feeling good and playing better. What does ‘cheating’ mean? Cheating means you’re in a situation where Dean Evason, on Minnesota’s lost: it can go one way or the other – 50-50 – and you pick the easy side. You pick the offensive side, you don’t stay in the battle. Cheating also means That group played as hard as we’ve played in a while. Obviously, we you’re extending your shifts much too long and you’re handing off a made some mistakes; turnovers and mistakes defensively for sure. But, crappy situation off to your teammates. That type of stuff where the we still gave ourselves an opportunity at the end. I like the way we kept backcheck, you only work to the red line and then you buy a ticket and competing at the end. you watch the rest of it. That’s all cheating, and there’s a lot of different forms of it. Right now we don’t have a lot of it in our game, from Line 1 all Marcus Foligno, on Minnesota’s mistakes: the way through, and it’s allowed us to be effective. Yeah, I mean the turnovers. And a minute there where they get two goals McLellan, on the Alex Iafallo-Anze Kopitar-Dustin Brown connection: right in a minute, or something like that. Those things kill you on the road. They’re just mistakes, and were a lot of mistakes out there. Just constant They’re taking responsibility for the team and the group on both sides of ones where we had momentum and then shot ourselves in the foot. the puck, and they’re working as hard defensively, I think, as they are They’re a team right now that’s playing pretty well in the sense of not offensively, and it’s allowing them to create chances. They tend to play having much to worry about and that’s maybe a little bit dangerous for against the other team’s top offensive players, and if they get caught teams that are gripping the stick a little bit too much. It seemed like we cheating, the players on the other team – the offensive guys – you can were doing that tonight. take advantage of it. They’ve done that. Jared Spurgeon, on allowing a shorthanded goal: McLellan, on what he’s learned about Cal Petersen: Obviously shorthanded goals aren’t something you never want to give up Pretty solid goaltender. Calm in the net, doesn’t seem to get fazed by if you’re able to come back and get momentum back. But unfortunately, mistakes or anything that might go wrong. Not a lot of rebounds or crap they got a quick one right after as well. I think we did a good job of trying laying in and around the crease. I think our D feel comfortable with him in to fight back. But like I said, they were playing a pretty defensive game there, so we’ve found out a lot in a short period of time. There’s no doubt and it was tough to get through.” he’s a national hockey league goaltender. He just needs a little more time to grow his game live everybody else. Postgame Notes:

McLellan, on where he’d place Saturday’s game amongst their better — The Kings won their fifth consecutive game, the longest winning streak performance of the recent run: since they won eight straight games from November 25 to December 9, 2017. You know what, I’d mix it in. We can’t get fooled a little bit. It was a 4-3 game down until the last two minutes. Yeah, we scored to make it five, — The seven goals tie the most by the Kings this season (also October we get an empty-netter, another one, so that part of it, the number can be 12 vs. Nashville). tricky. I think it was a 4-3 game with an empty-netter in my mind, and the — Dustin Brown (3-1=4) registered his sixth career hat trick and now has group played pretty well that way. So, it would be up there. I can’t 17 goals on the season, tied for second most on the team. Having scored remember what we did yesterday, never mind 11 games ago. Right now, his 297th, 298th and 299th goals of his career, he’s only one goal shy of things are going well for us. We’ve Got to continue to practice well and 300. get ready for another one. [Reporter: I guess just to follow up with that, too, Todd – what does it say about a team, you’ve won five in a row. — Anze Kopitar (1-2=3) notched three points to surpass the 60-point There have been different circumstances in these games, the mark. He leads the team in goals (21), assists (41) and points (62). He goaltenders have been terrific. But what does it say that the team isn’t also recorded a plus-5 rating, tied for the highest of his career (second playing – I don’t want to say ‘perfect’ – but playing not it’s best, if that’s time, October 21, 2017 at Columbus). fair to say, but still winning these games?] Yeah, we’re not perfect. Show me a perfect team and I’ll call you a liar, because there aren’t any. But — Alex Iafallo (0-2=2) registered the ninth multi-point game of the we are able to play a well-structured game so when mistakes are made, season. His 42 points rank second on the team. we’re there to cover it up. The guys wearing those big fluffy pads in the — Blake Lizotte (1-0=1) scored his sixth goal of the season and second goal crease have really helped us out in that scenario. We’ve found career shorthanded goal. He has four points (2-2=4) in the last five timely scoring. We probably had some games like this early in the year games. where we didn’t put the puck in the net, and eventually it cost you. Tonight, we got the goals, and we’ll take them. — Trevor Moore (1-0=1) tallied his third goal in 13 games since being acquired by the Kings, which prorates to 18.9 goals over 82 games. McLellan, on whether continuity can be bridged from the end of one season to the start of another: Sunday, March 8 is an off-day. The Kings are next scheduled to skate at TSPC at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 9, in advance of that night’s game Every season’s a new event, a new time. Everything about it’s brand new against Colorado. and I don’t believe in bringing momentum in from one year to the next

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180182 Los Angeles Kings

GAME 68: LOS ANGELES VS MINNESOTA

JON ROSEN

MARCH 7, 2020

First Period

1) LAK – Anze Kopitar (21) (Dustin Brown, Alex Iafallo), 5:16

Second Period

2) MIN – Marcus Foligno (11) (Mats Zuccarello), 0:13

3) LAK SHG – Blake Lizotte (6) (Adrian Kempe), 7:36

4) LAK – Trevor Moore (6) (unassisted), 8:29

Third Period

5) LAK – Dustin Brown (15) (Ben Hutton, Anze Kopitar), 4:00

6) MIN – Jared Spurgeon (12) (Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Foligno), 5:33

7) MIN – Luke Kunin (15) (Jonas Brodin, Jordan Greenway), 15:35

8) LAK – Dustin Brown (16) (Alex Iafallo, Drew Doughty), 17:47

9) LAK ENG – Dustin Brown (17) (Anze Kopitar), 18:46

10) LAK – Gabriel Vilardi (2) (unassisted), 19:00

Los Angeles Kings (26-35-6) vs Minnesota Wild (34-26-7)

Saturday, March 6, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PT

Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

Referees: #5 Chris Rooney, #38 Peter MacDougall

Linesmen: #58 Ryan Gibbons, #92 Mark Shewchyk

Fox Sports West, FOX Sports GO, LA Kings Audio Network

LAK starters: G Cal Petersen, D Kurtis MacDermid, D Sean Walker, LW Adrian Kempe, C Blake Lizotte, RW Trevor Lewis

LAK scratches: D Joakim Ryan, D Jeff Carter

MIN starters: G Alex Stalock, D Jonas Brodin, D Matt Dumba, LW Marcus Foligno, C Alex Galchenyuk, RW Mats Zuccarello

MIN scratches: F Eric Staal. D Matt Bartkowski, F Victor Rask

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180183 Los Angeles Kings

AEG/STAPLES CENTER CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT

JON ROSEN

MARCH 7, 2020

We are working directly with local public health officials, as well as keeping abreast of any Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) advisories. As a result of the latest briefing update from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, we have posted messaging throughout our venues reminding fans to engage in safe hygiene practices and to stay home if they feel unwell. We also have increased access to hand sanitizers throughout the building. We will continue to update our policies and procedures based on new recommendations from the public health department, CDC or WHO.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180184 Minnesota Wild

Minnesota travels to play the Ducks

Staff Writer

MARCH 8, 2020 — 3:10AM

Minnesota Wild (34-27-7, sixth in the Central Division) vs. Anaheim Ducks (28-32-8, sixth in the Pacific Division)

Anaheim, California; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Anaheim Ducks host the Minnesota Wild.

The Ducks are 16-20-3 in Western Conference games. Anaheim averages 10.3 penalty minutes per game, the fourth-most in the league. Nicolas Deslauriers leads the team serving 92 total minutes.

The Wild are 8-10-1 against opponents from the Central Division. Minnesota is eighth in the league shooting 10.4% and averaging 3.1 goals on 30.1 shots per game.

In their last matchup on Dec. 10, Anaheim won 3-2.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Getzlaf leads the Ducks with 41 points, scoring 13 goals and adding 28 assists. Adam Henrique has totaled five goals and three assists over the last 10 games for Anaheim.

Zach Parise leads the Wild with 25 goals and has recorded 45 points. Kevin Fiala has totaled 14 points over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wild: 7-3-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.5 assists, 3.1 penalties and 6.5 penalty minutes while allowing 2.8 goals per game with a .909 save percentage.

Ducks: 4-5-1, averaging 2.5 goals, 3.4 assists, 3.3 penalties and 7.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game with a .901 save percentage.

INJURIES: Ducks: Josh Manson: day to day (upper body), Hampus Lindholm: day to day (upper-body), Cam Fowler: out (lower body).

Wild: Eric Staal: day to day (personal).

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180185 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Los Angeles game recap

SARAH MCLELLAN

MARCH 7, 2020 — 7:22PM

STAR TRIBUNE’S THREE STARS

1. Dustin Brown, Kings: Winger scored a hat trick, added an assist.

2. Anze Kopitar, Kings: Captain recorded three points, including a goal.

3. Marcus Foligno, Wild: Winger had a goal and assist, finished plus-3.

BY THE NUMBERS

3 Consecutive goals by Los Angeles in 1:13 in the third period after the Wild scored to make it 4-3.

6 Shorthanded goals given up by the Wild this season after the Kings scored on their penalty kill.

7 Goals given up by the Wild for the third time this season.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180186 Minnesota Wild

Gameday preview: Wild at Anaheim

Sarah McLellan

MARCH 7, 2020 — 7:22PM

8 p.m. at Anaheim • FSN, 100.3-FM

One final stop on trip west

Preview: This is the last stop on a three-game, West Coast road trip for the Wild. The Wild ended its six-game win streak on the road Saturday, getting overwhelmed 7-3 by the Kings. Anaheim last played Friday, when it outlasted Toronto 2-1. The win was the second in a row for the Ducks.

Players to WATCH: Ducks C Adam Henrique has a team-high 25 goals. C Carter Rowney scored his career-high eight goal Friday vs. Toronto. … Wild D Jared Spurgeon’s nine goals since Jan. 18 are the most among NHL defenseman. C Luke Kunin has a point in each of the three games he’s played since returning from injury.

Numbers: The Wild is 3-3-1 in the second half of a back-to-back. The seven goals the team surrendered Saturday are tied for the most it’s given up in a game this season. … The Ducks are 17-1-1 when leading after the first period. G Ryan Miller made his 778th appearance Friday to surpass Tom Barrasso for second place on the NHL’s all-time list for United States-born goalies.

Injuries: Wild D Carson Soucy (upper body) is out. C Eric Staal did not travel after a death in his family. Ducks Ds Cam Fowler (lower body), Erik Gudbranson (upper body), Hampus Lindholm (upper body) and Josh Manson (upper body) are out.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180187 Minnesota Wild Neither team won the war of headlines, or rallied their fan base with a galvanizing trade. Quite the opposite.

Remember that in July, when fans are screaming for the Twins to Be Wild's recent moves a page out of the Twins playbook Aggressive. The players who will matter the most after the deadline will probably be the same ones who mattered the most to them before the deadline.

MARCH 7, 2020 — 10:52PM Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 JIM SOUHAN

Remember, the local contending pro sports team must Be Aggressive at the trade deadline. To Prove They Want to Win. Because Not Going For It Is For Losers.

These are wonderful themes for talk radio, and those who type first and ask questions later. Once every decade or so they even turn out to be accurate.

But not lately, not around here. Minnesota sports fans may want to consider that twice in the past three years a team on the fringe of contention has decided to sell rather than buy at the trade deadline, then watched its supposedly depleted team go on a wildly successful run.

In 2017, the Twins traded for Jaime Garcia on July 24, then watched their team slump and traded away Garcia and closer Brandon Kintzler on July 30 and 31.

This prompted outrage from players and fans. How could the front office not reward a gutsy team that … let me check here … had just lost six of seven to fall to 50-53?

Because baseball remains mysterious and counterintuitive and as confusing as humanity itself, the Twins, without a starter and their closer, got angry and finished the season by going 35-24 to make the playoffs. They even took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first at Yankee Stadium in the one-game playoff before Ervin Santana blew their chance of winning.

The lesson, if there is one, is this: For all of the hot air and clicks expended on trade possibilities, the core of the team usually decides the team’s fortunes.

If the Twins had traded three young players for a closer at the 2017 deadline, that closer might not have won them many more games and wouldn’t have made an impact in the playoffs, and the Twins would be without three top prospects.

Instead, the Twins kept their talent, made the playoffs and, two years later, won 101 games.

This season, before the trade deadline, the Wild fired a popular and successful coach, Bruce Boudreau; traded a popular and talented forward, Jason Zucker; tried to trade its franchise player, Zach Parise; and asked for permission to trade its longtime captain, Mikko Koivu.

New General Manager Bill Guerin tried to blow up the franchise blueprint, and with good reason. This was an old, overpaid, underachieving, boring team whose No. 1 goalie, Devan Dubnyk, has played little because of his wife’s health. Logic dictated turning over the roster and playing for next year.

Then Kevin Fiala and Alex Stalock got hot, and interim coach Dean Evason became the New Voice In The Room, and the Wild surged from the back of the playoff pack to the first wild-card position.

The lesson, if there is one: Fiala’s growth is all-important to the franchise and he has blossomed under Evason, who coached him in the minors. And: Sometimes getting past the deadline so players can relax is more important than acquiring talent at the deadline. And: The man considered the worst-ever Wild general manager, Paul Fenton, trading away a limited player (Mikael Granlund) who didn’t help his new team for Fiala might end up being the best deal any Wild GM has ever made.

We are dealing with human beings, emotions and uncertainty. How else to explain Koivu playing better after the deadline, even though he had the power to prevent any trade and shouldn’t have had anything to worry about?

The 2017 Twins got mad when their front office “gave up on the season.’’

The 2019-20 Wild expressed relief when it still had its key players after the trade deadline. 1180188 Minnesota Wild

Dustin Brown has hat trick, Kings beat Wild 7-3

DAN GREENSPAN

MARCH 8, 2020 — 3:00AM

LOS ANGELES — Dustin Brown had three goals and an assist and the Los Angeles Kings won their fifth straight game, 7-3 over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

Blake Lizotte and Trevor Moore scored 53 seconds apart in the second period, Anze Kopitar had a goal and two assists, and Gabriel Vilardi added a goal to help the Kings improve to 8-2-1 in their past 11 games. Calvin Petersen made 25 saves for his third straight victory.

"Starting to sound repetitive as a coach after a lot of games, which is a good thing. That means we're finding some consistency, we're doing some things right," Kings coach Todd McLellan said. "We're winning the right way, and it means we're moving the needle forward."

Marcus Foligno had a goal and an assist for Minnesota, Jared Spurgeon and Luke Kunin also scored, and Alex Stalock made 28 saves. The Wild had won six in a row on the road. They missed a chance to reclaim the first wild card in the Western Conference.

"Obviously, we made some mistakes," Wild interim coach Dave Evason said. "Turnovers and mistakes defensively, for sure, but we still gave ourselves an opportunity at the end. I like the way we kept competing, that's for sure."

Brown made it 4-1 early in the third period with his 297th career goal. He had a tap into an open net after Stalock saved Ben Hutton's initial shot.

Spurgeon cut it to 4-2 at 5:33, and Kunin made it 4-3 with 4:25 left. But Brown got behind Minnesota's defense with 2:13 to go and added an empty-netter 59 seconds later for his sixth career hat trick.

"It's a 4-3 game, you're pretty excited at that moment," Foligno said. "We felt like it was coming, and just that rush. I don't know what really happened on that rush. … Got stuck with a weird change and they kind of came back the other way and made it 5-3 when we had all the momentum."

Vilardi completed the scoring.

"As a group, we try to use these games to get better," Brown said. "This time of year is actually more fun just in general, whether you're in or out. We played a team tonight that needed points desperately, so to beat 'em we have to play better."

NOTES: Kings D Drew Doughty got his 500th career point with an assist on Brown's second goal. ... The Kings are 6-1-1 in their past eight home games, winning four straight. … Wild forward Kevin Fiala did not have a point, ending the longest point streak of his career at six games.

UP NEXT

Wild: At Anaheim on Sunday night.

Kings: Host Colorado on Monday night.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180189 Minnesota Wild After an Alex Galchenyuk turnover, Blake Lizotte finished off a 2-on-1 at 7:36 for the sixth shorthanded goal against the Wild.

And just after the Wild’s power play expired, Trevor Moore forced a Wild falls flat in Los Angeles, losing 7-3 to Kings turnover and lifted the puck over a poke-checking Stalock at 8:29.

Playoff pursuit is unfazed, even after Kings' blowout. The Wild finished 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Kings were 0-for-4.

Just 1:33 after Brown scored his first of the game 4 minutes into the third, the Wild made it 4-2 on a top-shelf shot by Jared Spurgeon, and Luke Sarah McLellan Kunin cut the deficit to one with 4:25 to go.

MARCH 8, 2020 — 12:37AM But the Kings snuffed the Wild’s rally at 17:47 when Brown slid the puck by Stalock on a 3-on-2 rush and completed the hat trick into an empty net

at 18:46. Gabriel Vilardi tacked on a seventh with a minute to go. LOS ANGELES – The result was the same, a loss to the lowly Kings, but Calvin Petersen had 25 saves for Los Angeles, while Stalock had 28 in the implications were drastically different. just his third regulation loss in his past 13 starts. Stalock has taken over When the Wild stalled 3-1 in Los Angeles back in mid-November, the the Wild’s crease and provided a spark there — sitting 11-4-1 in the past team fell to the bottom of the Western Conference standings at 6-11-1 16 games. during a bleak start to the season — one that suggested it might jostle That kind of steadiness all over the ice is what the team needs to remain with the likes of the Kings in the basement the rest of the way. in the hunt. The week started with a clutch win at home against division But after the Wild was overpowered 7-3 Saturday afternoon in front of rival Nashville, and the Wild moved into the first wild card Thursday after 16,082 at Staples Center by Los Angeles and Dustin Brown’s hat trick, it it staved off San Jose 3-2; it was the first time the Wild occupied a playoff emerged as a rare setback during a recent march to playoff contention — spot since Dec. 6. an entertaining and plucky turnaround that took root following that Nov. Now, though, the team’s back on the outside looking in and riding a 12 turndown courtesy the Kings. pendulum that can stymie momentum just as quickly as it can fuel it. It’s VideoVideo (00:49): Interim coach Dean Evason recaps the 7-3 loss to the reality the Wild has signed up for after fighting back to relevancy. the Kings on Saturday. “That’s what we put ourselves in,” Foligno said. “This is the situation “We’ll make some adjustments,” interim coach Dean Evason said. “We’ll we’re in.” learn from it. Things have been going pretty well for us, so it’s a good Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 opportunity for us to learn from adverse situations. We’ll do that and go forward.”

For the first time in seven games, the Wild gave up the first goal . The Kings rattled off two goals in 53 seconds in the second period and then pumped in three in a quick 1:13 late in the third after the Wild had clawed within a goal.

While this letdown prevented the Wild from reclaiming a playoff spot after it was bumped Friday following wins by Vancouver and Winnipeg, the team is still very much in the race for one of the two wild-card seeds.

Its 75 points are just one shy of the Canucks, Predators and Jets, and the Wild could swing back over the dividing line Sunday when it wraps up this three-game road trip through California in Anaheim.

“There’s five, six teams vying for like two spots and if you don’t have urgency one night, you’re not going to find yourself where you want to be,” goalie Alex Stalock said.

Why the Wild remains a player in this sprint to the finish line is partly due to the progress the Wild made after it left Southern California in November, since it immediately went on a season-high 11-game point streak.

But it’s the consistency of late that is sustaining the Wild.

The slip-up to the Kings broke a six-game win streak on the road and was just the third loss in the past 10 games. Since Jan. 16, the Wild is 14-7-1.

Under Evason, who was promoted from assistant after Bruce Boudreau was fired Feb. 14, the Wild has scored at least three goals in all but two games. And that scoring surge peaked last week when the Wild racked up 17 goals in a three-game span, tying the franchise record.

Spearheading the attack has been winger Kevin Fiala, who has become the Wild’s points leader at 52 after a 12-goal, 12-assist tear over his past 17 games. Last Monday, he was recognized as the NHL’s first star of the week after recording nine points in four games. He also recently became the first Wild player to tally multiple points in five straight games.

Fiala came up empty-handed Saturday, but others stepped up — balance that’s also been boosting the Wild.

After Los Angeles captain Anze Kopitar capitalized on a rebound 5:16 into the first period, the Wild’s Marcus Foligno answered 12 seconds into the second when he buried a loose puck.

But a harried power play paved the way for the Kings to retake control. 1180190 Minnesota Wild Center Eric Staal missed a second straight game Saturday after not traveling with the Wild to California following a death in his family. Staal won’t be in Anaheim for the trip finale.

Wild closes locker room for coronavirus control Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020

Sarah McLellan

MARCH 8, 2020 — 12:27AM

LOS ANGELES – Wild winger Marcus Foligno hauled his hockey bag out of the visiting quarters at Staples Center and then posted up in the hallway.

Defenseman Jared Spurgeon waited nearby for his turn to recap the team’s 7-3 setback to the Kings, standing next to a stick rack just off the tunnel that leads to the ice.

The Wild closed its locker room to media Saturday at Staples Center, getting a jump on a policy the NHL is expected to formally announce Monday at the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to stop the spread of coronavirus.

As the novel coronavirus spreads across the world, we've answered reader question about what they most want to know about the outbreak.

Until this game, the Wild — like the rest of the teams in the league — typically held its postgame access for players in its dressing room, with players answering questions at or near their stalls.

This change came on the heels of the Wild playing in San Jose on Thursday despite the Public Health Department in Santa Clara County, where the Sharks play, recommending the postponement or cancellation of mass gatherings and large community events.

Second-period sag

The Kings threw water on the Wild’s comeback attempt late in the third, scoring three goals in 1 minute, 13 seconds after the Wild had pulled within a goal to make it 4-3.

But the Wild had to put on a heavy push in the final period because of two miscues in the second.

On its second power play and after tying the game at 1, the Wild gave up its sixth shorthanded goal of the season — a 2-on-1 finish by Lindstrom native and former St. Cloud State player Blake Lizotte after an Alex Galchenyuk turnover.

Only 53 seconds later, the Kings doubled their lead on a breakaway goal by Trevor Moore. He picked the puck off defenseman Brad Hunt, who had retrieved it after a bobble by Galchenyuk.

“I didn’t want to give them the puck, but it happened,” Galchenyuk said. “It was definitely something I wasn’t focused on making, but it turned out that way. I’ll look at some video and bounce back.”

Stalock tried to impede Moore’s breakaway attempt with a poke check, but Moore eluded the challenge and lifted the puck over a sprawled Stalock.

“You commit to a play like that early,” said Stalock, who finished with 28 saves while suffering just his third regulation loss in his past 13 starts. “You know he’s coming in from that side. I don’t use the poke check a ton, but I kind of decided on it early. We had a D-man that was coming down the middle, so he couldn’t really go far side, so I was kind of cutting him off. But he made a good read and put it up top.”

Between the pipes

Stalock’s start Saturday was his seventh in a row, tying his career-long run from Dec. 14-27, 2017 — also with the Wild. But he could get a break Sunday when the team wraps up this three-game road trip in Anaheim.

After the loss to the Kings, interim coach Dean Evason said he would consider giving Devan Dubnyk the nod in net against the Ducks.

Dubnyk, who’s been shifted to the backup role lately while the Wild has relied on Stalock during his productive stretch, last played Feb. 23 in a 4- 1 loss at home to St. Louis. Before that, he was victorious in a 4-3 shootout win in Vancouver on Feb. 19.

Etc. 1180191 Minnesota Wild

Wild's road trip continues with matinee vs. Kings

Sarah McLellan

MARCH 7, 2020 — 9:57AM

LOS ANGELES – The Wild was bumped from a playoff spot Friday when it was idle, but it can reclaim a berth Saturday afternoon when it takes on the Kings at Staples Center.

While the team had a day off Friday, Vancouver and Winnipeg both won – jumping over the Wild and its 75 points to move into both wild card seeds with 76 points. The Canucks are in the first wild card and the Jets the second.

A win over Los Angeles would elevate the Wild to the first position and keep it there, since no one else who’s playing Saturday can catch the team. If the Wild gains only one point, it’ll clear only Winnipeg to become the second wild card team.

Since the team didn’t practice Friday, it’s unclear if the Wild will make any lineup changes to face the Kings. But since the team has been rolling of late, starting this road trip with a 3-2 win over the Sharks Thursday in San Jose, the Wild could easily keep the lines and defensive pairings the same. It could also tab goalie Alex Stalock for a seventh straight start.

Stalock made a career-high seven consecutive starts Dec.14-27, 2017.

After backstopping the Wild to that win in San Jose, Stalock became the fifth netminder in team history to record 20 victories in a season. Stalock is 9-2-1 in his last 12 games with a 1.91 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. He’s 2-2-1 in his career vs. the Kings.

Projected lineup:

Zach Parise-Luke Kunin-Kevin Fiala

Jordan Greenway-Joel Eriksson Ek-Gerald Mayhew

Marcus Foligno-Alex Galchenyuk-Mats Zuccarello

Ryan Donato-Mikko Koivu-Ryan Hartman

Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon

Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba

Brad Hunt-Greg Pateryn

Alex Stalock

Key numbers:

6: Straight wins on the road for the Wild.

13-6-2: Record for the Wild against the Pacific Division this season.

36: Goals for the Wild in its last eight games compared to 22 for the opposition.

5-1-1: Showing for the Wild in the first game of a back-to-back

4: Goals for winger Zach Parise over his last four games.

About the Kings:

Los Angeles has won a season-high four straight games, a win streak that’s come against some impressive teams. The Kings have recently edged Toronto, Vegas, New Jersey and Pittsburgh. Most recently, they outlasted the Maple Leafs in a shootout on Thursday for a 1-0 victory. Los Angeles is 7-2-1 in its last game, including 5-1-1 at home. The Kings are only missing center Jeff Carter to injury, a lower-body issue.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180192 Minnesota Wild speed. Stalock lunged to make a poke check, but when he missed the puck Moore sprung a wrist shot over him to give the Kings a 3-1 advantage just after their penalty expired. Nineteen seconds later, the Wild took a penalty, which they killed. Kings knock Wild back to earth with 7-3 rout “We had a couple turnovers in different areas. On the power play, you can’t give one up there, that obviously hurt,” Wild coach Dean Evason said, adding that he felt his team could quickly clean up the multitude of ANDREW KNOLL errors that stung them Saturday. March 7, 2020 at 8:36 p.m. The Wild had evened the game 12 seconds into the second period when right wing Mats Zuccarello’s backhand bid generated a rebound that led to a tap-in goal for Foligno. LOS ANGELES — As the Wild continued to inch across a tightrope en route to a playoff spot, they wavered against another hot team that has Los Angeles opened the scoring just past the five-minute mark. Stalock long been relegated to the role of spoiler, losing to the Los Angeles Kings kicked out a meaty rebound on a long, far-side wrist shot that bounced 7-3 at Staples Center on Saturday afternoon. directly to Kopitar, who popped the puck into a gaping aperture.

By virtue of shutout wins by the Winnipeg Jets on Friday and Nashville The Wild are back to work tomorrow night at 8 p.m. against the Anaheim Predators on Saturday as well as a Vancouver Canucks victory Friday, Ducks, as they claw for vital points in a wild-card race that has five teams the Wild began the game a point back of both wild-card playoff berths in separated by two points. the West and drew no closer with the loss. “If you don’t want to play this time of year, this is probably not the right The Wild had won 11 of their previous 15 games coming into the profession for you. I love it. Every point matters so much,” Stalock said. matchup, and the Kings have now won eight of their past 11 contests as “But that adds to the frustration tonight, that we didn’t even get one.” well as five straight games, both of which are season-best marks for a BRIEFLY team that remains in last place in the Western Conference — Center Eric Staal (bereavement) missed his second straight game and “We were in there, then when we checked this morning we were bounced will not play in Anaheim on Sunday, either. out, right? It’s flip-flopping” left wing Marcus Foligno said. “We know we need to keep going with these streaks.” — With a back-to-back set, coach Dean Evason said Devan Dubnyk would start between the pipes against the Ducks. Foligno, defenseman Jared Spurgeon and center Luke Kunin scored for the Wild, with Foligno adding an assist and right wing Mats Zuccarello — Kevin Fiala’s point streak ending was not for lack of trying, as he coming up with two assists. Kevin Fiala’s six-game point streak, during registered a game-high six shots on net. which he accumulated 12 points, screeched to a halt, and he skated to a game-low minus-4 rating. Pioneer Press LOADED: 03.08.2020

The Kings got big games from two mainstays: center Anze Kopitar had a goal and two assists, and right wing Dustin Brown scored a hat trick to go with a helper. Left wing Trevor Moore also scored, as did center Blake Lizotte, a Lindstrom native and St. Cloud State alumnus.

Alex Stalock had given up two goals or fewer in eight of his previous 12 outings and earned wins in nine of those appearances. However, he allowed six goals on 34 shots. Kings rookie goalie Cal Petersen stopped 25 of 28 shots to earn his third straight win.

“We’ve got to be better in the crease. I’ve got to make saves. Rebound control, (not making a) big save at the right time, there’s a lot that went into it tonight,” Stalock said. “Obviously the floodgates opened. The good thing is that we have a game tomorrow (in Anaheim).”

Kings rookie center Gabe Vilardi added a late goal, continuing a rough afternoon for Stalock.

Brown secured a triumph for the Kings when he protected the puck on his backhand and transitioned swiftly to his forehand to sweep the puck past Stalock with 2:13 remaining in the game. It was the second time a disjointed line change factored into a Kings goal. Brown added an empty- net goal to complete the hat trick.

With 4:25 left to play, Kunin cut the Kings’ lead to a solitary goal. He scored on the third of three Wild shot attempts in quick succession, lifting a backhand shot into the net.

Spurgeon breathed some life into the Wild 5:33 into the third period. From the high slot, he dragged the puck on his forehand and let fly with a lively wrist shot that beat Petersen to the far side.

“We had some good zone time and shifts there,” Spurgeon said of the Wild’s third-period push that fell short.

The Kings padded their lead four minutes into the final frame. Kopitar found defenseman Ben Hutton creeping down from the point for a backdoor shot. Stalock narrowly averted a goal, but Brown picked up the loose change to give the Kings a 4-1 advantage.

The game unraveled rapidly for the Wild during their second-period power play soon after they tied the score at one.

First, center Alex Galchenyuk’s turnover led to a shorthanded two-on-one rush that saw Kings left wing Adrian Kempe send a centering pass for an easy redirection into the net by Lizotte. Just 53 seconds later, Kopitar knocked the puck off Galchenyuk’s stick, sending Moore in on goal with 1180193 Minnesota Wild led to two goals 54 seconds apart to turn that 1-1 game into a 3-1 Kings’ lead.

The first one, Galchenyuk resisted shooting the puck atop the left circle. Wild have no time to hang their heads after critical setback in playoff race He began to penetrate, lost the puck, regathered it and recklessly threw the puck away in the slot rather than again shooting with a teammate driving the net. That triggered a two-on-one compounded by Gerry Mayhew taking a delayed penalty that essentially allowed former St. Michael Russo Cloud State forward Blake Lizotte to join the rush for a clear odd-man Mar 7, 2020 rush.

Lizotte, the pride of Chisago Lakes High, buried his first career goal against his hometown Wild. LOS ANGELES – Remember a few days ago when the Wild leapfrogged four teams to move into the top wild-card spot? BLAKE LIZOTTE WITH THE SHORTY! KINGS RETAKE THE LEAD!#GOKINGSGO PIC.TWITTER.COM/GHJHOCUD28 That really was a fun 24 hours. — HOCKEY DAILY 365 (@HOCKEYDAILY365) MARCH 7, 2020 Get ready for a dizzying, emotionally topsy-turvy final month of the season as five or six teams jockey for position. Evason, who preaches accountability, left the same power-play unit on the ice, and Galchenyuk would cough the puck up once more. Take your foot off the gas for one game, and what happened to the Wild on Saturday in the standings will make things seem like the end of the As Moore was emerging from the penalty box, Galchenyuk had the puck world. poked off his stick by Anze Kopitar. The puck slid into the neutral zone, Brad Hunt skated back to retrieve it, and Moore steamrolled through for a After beating the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, the Wild got little breakaway down the left-wing wall. help from others Friday night. They then saw Nashville blank Dallas on Saturday afternoon before suffering a case of the afternoon blues Stalock, who almost never uses the Devan Dubnyk-style poke-check, themselves as the last-place team in the Western Conference, the Los opted to this time and executed it poorly. He basically belly-flopped, and Angeles Kings — winners of eight of their past 10 – took a 7-3 victory at Moore easily scored over top of the fallen netminder. Staples Center. TREVOR MOORE 3-1 #GOKINGSGO The Wild pulled within one with 4:25 left on Luke Kunin’s 15th goal, but a PIC.TWITTER.COM/WNXUCJUEW3 series of mistakes later led to a killer fifth goal – the first of three consecutive goals, including an empty-netter sandwiched in between for — HERE'S YOUR REPLAY (@HERESYOURREPLAY) MARCH 7, a Dustin Brown hat trick to make the score look lopsided. 2020

“There’s a lot of mistakes out there, but just constant ones where we had The Wild’s power play went 0 for 3 and is now 4 for 34 (11.7 percent) in some momentum going and then we just kind of shot ourselves in the 10 games under Evason. foot,” winger Marcus Foligno said. “They’re a team right now that’s “I didn’t want to give them the puck, but it happened,” said Galchenyuk, playing pretty well in the sense they don’t have much to worry about and who was coming off a strong game in San Jose. “It was definitely that’s maybe a little bit dangerous for teams that are gripping the stick a something I wasn’t focused on making, but it turned out that way. I’ll look little bit too much like it seemed like we were doing tonight.” at some video and bounce back (in Anaheim).” The Wild, since winning their sixth consecutive road game Thursday, The Kings would make it a three-goal lead early in the third before Jared dropped from seventh in the West to 10th. They’re still only one point out Spurgeon scored his ninth goal since Jan. 18 – the most in that span of a playoff spot, so Sunday’s game at Anaheim is paramount because among NHL defensemen. Kunin would make it a game with a big goal off the Wild won’t play again until Thursday at home against the Vegas a Brodin rebound, but Galchenyuk, Fiala and Dumba all goofed en route Golden Knights. to Brown scoring a little more than two minutes later. Alex Stalock, who had won 11 of his previous 15 games, saw his bubble LUKE KUNIN BRINGS MINNESOTA WITHIN ONE LATE IN THE burst with six goals allowed. And even though he wasn’t sharp against THIRD!#MNWILD PIC.TWITTER.COM/USNZ6IRRP1 the second-worst scoring team in the NHL, the Wild’s turnovers and loose defense were as bad as we’ve seen it in five weeks. — HOCKEY DAILY 365 (@HOCKEYDAILY365) MARCH 7, 2020

That was the fear when the Wild chose to reward the team and get some It was certainly a tough game for skilled players such as Galchenyuk and rest Friday by scrapping practice even though there would be no morning Fiala. They too often tried to do things individually and it would prove skate due to the early game Saturday. costly. After one turnover early in the third period, Galchenyuk, the king of the on-bench temper tantrum, angrily kicked the back of the wall on The Wild’s rust was apparent early and often and they lost for the the bench. seventh time in their past nine visits to L.A. because of it. He has honestly done this so often since arriving in Minnesota in early Kevin Fiala was a -4 and committed two offensive blue-line turnovers that February that it’s astonishing he hasn’t broken a foot. led to the Kings’ first and fifth goals. “It’s heat of the moment,” Galchenyuk said. Matt Dumba was -3 and way too casual as he let Brown go wide and cut to the inside for the Kings’ fifth goal after Fiala’s turnover and what Right before Fiala’s turnover that led to a fifth goal, Galchenyuk Foligno called a “weird (line) change” by the Wild. committed a similar turnover on the entry.

DUSTIN BROWN RESTORES LA'S TWO GOAL LEAD WITH 2:13 LEFT Under Evason, the Wild have done a quality job entering the offensive TO GO! SECOND OF THE NIGHT FOR BROWN!#GOKINGSGO zone with possession. But the Kings like to sit back and sometimes you PIC.TWITTER.COM/0WAF8EC4FT just have to dump the puck when that’s occurring. But the Wild were stubborn Saturday afternoon and continually tried to skate through a wall — HOCKEY DAILY 365 (@HOCKEYDAILY365) MARCH 7, 2020 of defenders to no avail. “We’ll learn from it,” interim coach Dean Evason said. “Things have been When they got the puck deep and in on the forecheck, the Wild were going pretty well for us, so it’s a good opportunity for us to learn from quite effective. adverse situations.” “We thought early we did some good things with our entries,” Evason The game truly turned upside down in the second period after Foligno said. “But when you’re not getting in, we have to commit to pounding the tied the score just 13 seconds in on a Mats Zuccarello rebound. puck in and getting after it and winning those battles. We didn’t do With the Wild given a golden opportunity when Trevor Moore took a high- enough of that.” sticking penalty, Alex Galchenyuk committed two giveaways that directly Stalock, too, was unhappy with his game. On the first goal, he served up a juicy rebound to Kopitar for the Wild’s first 1-0 deficit in seven games. The Moore goal was bad execution, the fourth goal by Brown was stoppable even though it came after a Jonas Brodin turnover, and even the seventh goal was one he’d love to have back.

“You’ve got to be better in the crease, I’ve got to make a save,” Stalock said. “Rebound control, big save at the right time. There was a lot that went into it tonight, but obviously the floodgates opened late. But the good thing is we have a game (Sunday). That’s the best thing right now is get back there and get two points.”

Stalock won’t get that opportunity.

Evason, who likely would have gone back to Stalock had he or the Wild played well, indicated Dubnyk will make his first start since Feb. 23. Stalock had started seven in a row, matching his career high.

It’s important the Wild bounce back with the race as tight as it is and with the team on hiatus until Thursday.

“That’s how close it is right now,” Spurgeon said. “Every game means so much. Seems like if you lose one game, you’re down four spots. That’s why we keep trying to win as many games as possible and put ’em together. You can’t dwell on a loss.”

As Foligno said simply regarding Sunday’s game against a Ducks’ team that has won four of its past six, “It’s just a game that you need to win. We can’t go into (Sunday’s) game and hope for something. We’ve gotta go at it and win. That’s what we put ourselves in. This is the situation we’re in and we gotta win out.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180194 Montreal Canadiens

Panthers net three in final period to upend Canadiens

Staff Writer

MARCH 7, 2020

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 7: Goaltender Chris Driedger #60 of the Florida Panthers stops a shot by Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montreal Canadiens at the BB&T Center on March 7, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida.

On a night in which a great goalie was honored, Chris Driedger was pretty good, too, making 33 saves and leading the host Florida Panthers to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

Prior to the game, the Panthers retired former goalie Roberto Luongo’s No. 1 jersey. Luongo, who is third in NHL history with 489 wins, became the first player in Panthers history to have his number retired.

Saturday’s game was scoreless midway through the second period but then Lucas Wallmark, Mackenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman scored for the Panthers, and Driedger, 25, improved to 6- 2-1 in just his 10th career start.

For Wallmark, it was his first goal as a member of the Panthers. It was also just his sixth game since he was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 24.

This game was selected for Luongo’s ceremony because he is a Montreal native. Luongo retired after last season.

The star-studded goalie matchup of Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky against Montreal’s Carey Price - which would’ve been expected less than one week ago — never happened. Bobrovsky is out due to a lower-body injury, and Price was rested.

Due to injury, Driedger didn’t play from Jan. 17 until he came back on Thursday. But he has been sharp since returning, allowing just three goals in two games.

Montreal backup Charlie Lindgren, who played well early before faltering, made 27 saves.

Florida opened the scoring with 10:22 gone in the second. Wallmark faked a shot from the left circle and drove to the net, finishing by flipping a backhander over Lindgren’s left pad.

Lindgren allowed a soft goal with 41 seconds expired in the third as Weegar shot a fluttering puck past him from above the left circle.

Florida made it 3-0 with 15:47 left in the third as Erik Haula’s brilliant pass from deep in the right corner found Huberdeau right in front for a tap-in goal.

With 11:56 left in the third, Evans roofed a hard shot from the right circle, and it zipped past Driedger to spoil his shutout attempt.

But Hoffman’s empty-net goal with 1:54 ended Montreal’s comeback thoughts.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180195 Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens saw their record fall to 31-30-9 with 12 games left in the season.

They aren’t going to make the playoffs, but they really should work on the In the Habs Room — Same old story for Canadiens in 4-1 loss to power play during that time. Panthers Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020

STU COWAN

March 8, 2020

SUNRISE, Fla. — How about that Canadiens’ power play?

With the Canadiens losing 1-0 to Florida 13:39 into the second period Saturday night, the Panthers’ Dominic Toninato was given a four-minute penalty for high-sticking. At 16:29, the Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad was given two minutes for high-sticking, meaning the Canadiens had a five-on-three power play for 70 seconds.

The Canadiens failed to score — or even generate a quality scoring chance — and the Panthers went on to win 4-1. The Canadiens’ power play is now 0-for-16 in the last eight games.

“I don’t know if it was the turning point, but I think we could have done a much better job,” coach Claude Julien said after the game. “Five-on-three for some reason we were shooting from far out, we weren’t taking the time to bring the puck a little closer to the net and create some better chances.”

All the Canadiens tried to do — it seemed — was set up Shea Weber or Jeff Petry for blasts from the point, most of which were blocked by Panthers defenders.

The Canadiens outshot the Panthers 34-32, but it was the same old story of them not being able to capitalize on their chances while their opponent did. The Canadiens rank second in the NHL with an average of 34.1 shots per game, but only rank 19th in offence with an average of 2.94 goals per game.

For the second straight game, the Canadiens were missing Tomas Tatar — their leading scorer with 22-39-61 totals — because of an upper-body injury and they have now scored one goal in those two games following Thursday night’s 4-0 loss to the Lightning in Tampa.

“You always miss a goal-scorer, but I don’t think Tatar is the reason that we’re only scoring one goal,” Julien said. “It would certainly help, but I think we can get some scoring from others as well. We’re getting chances. I think we just got to do a better job of burying them when you get those chances. Tonight we had given players a pre-scout on their goaltender (Chris Driedger) and again we have to respect that part of it and try and find ways to score some goals.”

Ten seconds after the Canadiens failed to score on their five-on-three power play, they took a penalty of their own for too many men on the ice.

“Those kind of things happen, every team,” Julien said. “I know watching games every night, the game is so fast and sometimes the guy comes to the bench and turns around at the last minute so it’s a too-many-men-on- the-ice penalty. Those are things that are going to happen, unfortunately. We haven’t had a lot of them, especially lately.”

Charlie Lindgren started in goal for the Canadiens and played well, but the second goal he let in only 41 seconds in to the third period was a soft one. MacKenzie Weegar took a shot from the point with no screen in front of the net and it went straight in on Lindgren’s stick side.

“The second one, I think I definitely would want back,” said Lindgren, who saw his record fall to 2-4-0 with a 3.33 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. “But just try to battle hard. I thought overall I played a good 60 minutes. Just unfortunate, I wish I could get that second goal back.”

Julien said LIndgren played “really, really good.”

“He made some unbelievable saves,” the coach added. “He kept us in there, gave us a chance. But the only thing — I think he knows — is he probably would like to have that second goal back. Other than that, they had some point-blank chances tonight and just when we needed those saves, he kept making it and kept giving us a chance. At the end of the day, we can’t expect to win just by scoring one goal and giving up the kind of goals we’ve been giving up.” 1180196 Montreal Canadiens The Habs are 4-7-2 since owner Geoff Molson tweeted about how proud he was of his ‘no quit Montreal Canadiens’. The tweet came after the Habs defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime and there was some optimism left. The tables have since turned, and the Canadiens are About Last Night: It's hard for Habs fans not to feel apathetic about their struggling to finish their season. team Of course, there are some fans who will contend they’ve felt apathetic and turned off from the Canadiens long before this season even began.

JULIAN MCKENZIE If you still have some optimism, save it for the Canadiens’ minor league affiliate in Laval. Despite the Habs recalling their players, the Rocket still March 7, 2020 has a fighting chance at seeing postseason hockey in mid-April as they are only two points out of a playoff spot.

If you are a Montreal Canadiens fan right now, you are past the point of The Canadiens are stuck in their own self-created purgatory, and some being angry and disappointed. of their fans aren’t willing to stick around to watch the carnage any longer. They will find other things to do with their time. Maybe, they’ll The Canadiens lost a second straight game Saturday night, dropping a 4- emulate Lari Mitchell and read a book or two. 1 game to the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla. The loss capped off two games in the Sunshine State that were as enjoyable as a root canal. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020

The Canadiens were blanked Thursday night against the Lightning and had their goalless streak stretch over 100 minutes during Saturday night’s game. Mercifully, Jake Evans’s third period goal ended the streak of futility.

Charlie Lindgren could only do so much in goal against the Panthers, but he had a final frame to forget by allowing two goals and fighting pucks in the hopes of making a save.

Most disappointing of all, the result wasn’t worthy of honouring the legacy of the late Henri Richard. Habs forward Brendan Gallagher hoped his team would have a good result for the 11-time Stanley Cup champion who passed away Friday after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

“Henri Richard did so much for that jersey and I think it’s time to do something for him and honour his legacy and just play the way that he would have done and that’s really what’s important,” Gallagher said during the morning skate in Florida.

Gallagher and the Habs didn’t get the result they wanted, of course.

The Canadiens have shown they are a flawed team, but they did not quit in games earlier in the season. It’s been harder to maintain that mentality throughout the season as they fall further out of playoff contention. They don’t have the same drive and intensity, in part because they’ve been battered down because of injuries, as their own losses keep pushing them out of the playoffs.

As a result, the entertainment value has decreased. The fans, diehards who’ve tried their best to stick around in our liveblog, are starting to grow bored and disillusioned.

Mick Chow

Welp. I’m heading out. This team is undermanned. Florida is more hungry for the win. Refs are on the Panthers’ side. Cheers all!

Lari Mitchell

I don’t like dumping on the guys but the current line up has two AHL defencemen, two forwards who have spent most of the year in the AHL, and two brand new rookies. Not a winning combination, and not a team worth watching. I am going to read a book. Hope you have one handy too, Julian.

Len Winger

These games are meaningless now to the bitter end ..Hard to stay focused..Charlie working his ass off

Ballen Munson

The games have been meaningless since November

Ryan Katz

Is it just me, or does this game seem boring

James Toth

In case nobody noticed, The Habs are a pretty awful team

Moi, J’ai plutôt bien hâte à voir une équipe qui continue à foncer…qui veut gagner…i am very proud of the no quit Montreal Canadiens…#GHG https://t.co/mCuu4FuyLJ— Geoff Molson (@GMolsonCHC) February 7, 2020 1180197 Montreal Canadiens “He was a good goalie. You’re always happy to see good goalie’s retire,” Gallagher said with a grin. “He had a good career. It’s nice that they’re honouring him.”

Panthers tame a Canadiens team with no bite absent leading scorer The Panthers players, including Driedger, certainly did their part to Tatar honour Luongo on this night.

Montreal native Roberto Luongo's jersey was retired in a pregame Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 ceremony after 20 seasons in the NHL, 11 with Florida.

STU COWAN

March 7, 2020

SUNRISE, Fla. — On a night when the Florida Panthers honoured Roberto Luongo, it was fitting Chris Driedger would make 33 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Canadiens.

During a pregame ceremony, the Panthers retired No. 1 in honour of Luongo, who retired last June after playing 20 seasons in the NHL, including 11 with the Panthers. Luongo became the first Panthers player to have his number retired and the 40-year-old Montreal native now works as a special adviser to Florida GM Dale Tallon.

Luongo and his family, who were on the ice with him for the pregame ceremony, got to watch Driedger backstop the Panthers to victory on goals from Lucas Wallmark, MacKenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman (empty-netter). Jake Evans scored for the Canadiens, who had Charlie Lindgren in goal. The Canadiens outshot the Panthers 34-32.

Evans’s goal at 8:04 of the third period prevented the Canadiens from getting shut out in a second straight game following a 4-0 loss to the Lightning in Tampa on Thursday. That marked the first time all season the Canadiens have been blanked.

The Canadiens aren’t the same team without Tomas Tatar — their leading scorer with 22-39-61 totals — who missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. The return of Brendan Gallagher, who is tied with Tatar for the team lead in goals with 22, didn’t help much after he missed the Lightning game because of the flu. The fact the Canadiens failed to score on a five-on-three power play that lasted 1:10 late in the second period didn’t help, either. Neither did taking a too-many-men-on- the-ice penalty shortly after that.

The Panthers moved within three points of Toronto for the third and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and they hold a game in hand on the Maple Leafs. The Panthers also moved five points ahead of the Canadiens and hold two games in hand on them.

Driedger was making his second straight start for the Panthers in place of No. 1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury. Driedger made 26 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. The Panthers signed Bobrovsky to a seven-year, US$70- million contract last summer as a free agent, hoping he would be the heir apparent to Luongo. But the 31-year-old Russian has struggled this season with a 23-19-6 record, a 3.23 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

Good goaltending is something teams — and fans — sometimes don’t fully appreciate until they don’t have it.

“Absolutely,” Canadiens coach Claude Julien said about that assessment after his team’s morning skate Saturday. “How many times do you see the same thing and they say: ‘They’re hanging in there, they got great goaltending.’ I know that’s a fact. Like in Pittsburgh, their goaltender through their injuries — both of them (Matt Murray and Tristan Jarry) — got them through. That’s how important it can be and when you don’t have it you certainly look for it.”

It’s looking like the Panthers might have found it in the 25-year-old Driedger, who improved his record to 6-2-1 with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. The Panthers signed Driedger as a free agent in February last year and he had only played three career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators before this season.

After the Canadiens’ morning skate, Gallagher was asked for his thoughts on the Panthers honouring Luongo. 1180198 Montreal Canadiens

NHL considers closing locker rooms to media because of coronavirus

Canadiens plan to keep their room open unless league mandates otherwise, but other teams are closing theirs.

STU COWAN

March 7, 2020

SUNRISE, Fla. — The NHL is considering having all teams close their locker rooms to the media for postgame interviews because of concerns about the coronavirus, but hadn’t mandated it as of Saturday evening.

Commissioner Gary Bettman met with the media before Saturday night’s game between the Canadiens and Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center to discuss the current situation.

“We’re considering every conceivable option that may be because what’s happening is evolving not only on a day-to-day basis in terms of us staying on top of developments, but it’s almost hour to hour,” Bettman said.

The Canadiens plan to keep their locker room open and it was open after they lost 4-1 to the Panthers. A team spokesperson said it would be business as usual for the media covering the Canadiens until any further notice from the NHL. The Panthers also plan to keep their room open.

The New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild announced Saturday they will close their locker rooms to the media.

“Some clubs are focusing on this on their own,” Bettman said during his media scrum. “But, as you well know, the locker room is a very intimate environment and players are not always fully clothed and it may be best to have media accessibility at a podium for everybody’s health and safety — not just the players, but yours. And it’s different than fans being in the stands, particularly when players are placed in a closed environment. So we’re focused on the fact that the tightness, the crowded-ness and the intimacy of postgame availability may need to be adjusted while we’re focusing on the corona virus.”

Bettman added that if the NHL mandates that all locker rooms be closed to the media that the policy would not remain permanent after concerns about the coronavirus subside.

“If we make an adjustment, we’ll go back,” Bettman said. “If we put it into effect across the league it would be just as we’re dealing with the coronavirus. We appreciate everything that the media does covering our game and the relationship we have with our teams and our players. But we’re dealing with interesting — to say the least — and challenging times from a medical standpoint and we want to make sure that we’re doing the prudent things for everybody. And, again, the locker room is different than being in the stands and you’ll have access to the players. But if we do it from a podium it may be better for them and for you because we’re dealing with groups that are doing a lot of travelling and interacting with a lot of people and we want to make sure that in the community that’s involved in the nuts and bolts of putting on the games we’re doing the right things and that’s why we’re considering everything.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman meets with media in Florida before #Habs vs Panthers game #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/PF5mBKsozi— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) March 8, 2020

When asked if he’d consider having games played in empty arenas if concern over the coranavirus grows, Bettman responded: “I don’t want to create any speculation or hysteria. There are obviously a variety of consequences that we may have to focus on and we’ll do that in an appropriate time. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. We’re staying on top of it, we’re in constant communication with our clubs and the players’ association and we’re going to deal with this in as thorough, professional, on-top-of-it manner as possible. But let’s everybody take a deep breath.”

Bettman added: “Everything I’m saying is based on the advice of physicians. I’m not a doctor.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180199 Montreal Canadiens

Liveblog replay: Panthers win 4-1 over the Habs

Habs lose both Florida games, lose 4-1 to the Panthers

JULIAN MCKENZIE

March 7, 2020

Lucas Wallmark, Mackenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman scored for the Panthers in a 4-1 victory over the Canadiens on Saturday night.

It was Montreal’s first game since the passing of 11-time Stanley Cup champion Henri Richard on Friday.

Brendan Gallagher returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday night’s game because of illness. He will have the late Richard on his mind while playing.

Tomas Tatar wasn’t available for the Canadiens as he is still nursing an upper-body injury and is being evaluated by doctors in Montreal.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Panthers honoured Roberto Luongo by retiring his jersey. The Montreal native is the all-time winningest goalie in Panthers’ history and has the third-most victories in National Hockey League history, trailing Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy.

The Laval Rocket also announced forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi suffered a splenic injury during a game against the Cleveland Monsters last night. He spent last night in a Cleveland hospital, and he’ll return to Montreal later tonight. No timetable has been provided on his recovery.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180200 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens' Shea Weber has respect for Lightning's Mikhail Sergachev

The feeling is mutual after they dropped the gloves and fought during Tampa Bay's 4-0 win over Habs Thursday night.

STU COWAN

March 7, 2020

SUNRISE, Fla. — Shea Weber doesn’t fight very often, so Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Mikhail Sergachev said he was surprised when the Canadiens captain dropped the gloves and fought him Thursday night at Amalie Arena.

“I didn’t expect him to do so, but I have a ton of respect for him,” Sergachev said after the game. “Everybody does. He was trying to protect his teammate because he was smaller than me.”

Weber was upset after Sergachev cross-checked Canadiens rookie Nick Suzuki at the end of the second period in a game the Lightning would win 4-0. Weber missed Sergachev with a wild right hook before the Lightning defenceman pulled him down to the ice. According to hockeyfights.com, it was Weber’s first fight since he took on the New York Rangers’ J.T. Miller in a playoff game on April 14, 2017.

The Canadiens selected Sergachev in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, but he only played four games with the team before being traded to the Lightning in exchange for Jonathan Drouin. Weber was Sergachev’s teammate for those four games.

“He’s a good kid,” Weber said after the Canadiens’ morning skate Saturday at the BB&T Center before facing the Florida Panthers. “He works hard and, obviously, a good player. There’s no hard feelings. It’s a game out there and I have a lot of respect for him and I like his game. That stuff happens. We’ve all played hockey for a long time. I mean you fight with your siblings, too. You don’t dislike them any more after that.”

After the Lightning game, Canadiens coach Claude Julien praised Weber for defending Suzuki.

“I liked the response from Weby,” Julien said. “Great captain. The guys on the ice stood up for each other and Weby went in there and defended a good young prospect for us that needed help. I think at that point I liked Weby’s response and it goes a long ways for this hockey club.”

Sergachev has been having a very good season with the Lightning. Heading into Tampa’s game Saturday night in Boston the 21-year-old defenceman had 9-23-32 totals in 67 games and was plus-14 while averaging 20:07 of ice time.

The fight with Weber was only the second of Sergachev’s career, according to hockeyfights.com. He also dropped the gloves with the Buffalo Sabres Jake McCabe on Dec. 31 this season.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180201 Montreal Canadiens Tomas Tatar will miss his second straight game because of an upper- body injury and is back in Montreal being evaluated by doctors.

“He’s being looked at by a doctor … he’s still being examined by other Canadiens Game Day: Habs hoping to honour Henri Richard vs. doctors, so we don’t have the final, final diagnosis on him,” Julien said. Panthers "Henri Richard did so much for this jersey, I think it's time to do "Henri Richard did so much for that jersey and I think it’s time to do something for him, and honor his legacy, and just play the way that he something for him and honour his legacy," Brendan Gallaghers says. would have done."#MerciHenri pic.twitter.com/hPXIZEwHN2— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 7, 2020

Lindgren will start in goal STU COWAN Charlie Lindgren will start in goal for the Canadiens against the Panthers. March 7, 2020 It will be the second start in four games for Lindgren, who is coming off a 27-save performance in a 4-3 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 29 at the Bell Centre. SUNRISE, Fla. — Brendan Gallagher will be thinking about Henri Richard when the Canadiens play the Florida Panthers Saturday night at “He looked good this morning, so hopefully he brings us that kind of the BB&T Center (7 p.m., CBC, SN, SN360, TVA Sports, TSN 690 game tonight,” Julien said after the morning skate. Radio, 98.5 FM). Lindgren has a 2-3-0 record with a 3.37 goals-against average and a Richard, who won a record 11 Stanley Cups as a player with the .884 save percentage. Canadiens, died Friday at age 84 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Chris Driedger is expected to start in goal for the Panthers. He has a 5-2- “Henri Richard did so much for that jersey and I think it’s time to do 1 record with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. something for him and honour his legacy and just play the way that he Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers’ No. 1 goalie, has been dealing with a would have done and that’s really what’s important,” Gallagher said after lower-body injury. Bobrovsky has a 23-19-6 record with a 3.23 goals- the Canadiens’ morning skate Saturday. “I know with Jean Béliveau we against average and a .900 save percentage. were able to come out with a game at home and we played well. And that was something that we were proud of and that team was very proud of. Charlie Lindgren warming up like he will be starting goalie tonight for Hopefully we can respond well tonight and honour (Richard) in the way #Habs in Florida #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/4nrcn6bRhz— Stu Cowan that he deserves to be honoured.” (@StuCowan1) March 7, 2020

The Canadiens lost three straight road games after Béliveau died on Honouring Luongo Dec. 2, 2014, but in their first game back at the Bell Centre they beat the Former Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo will have his No. 1 retired during Vancouver Canucks 3-1 one week after the former captain’s death on an a pregame ceremony at the BB&T Center. emotional night with his widow, Élise, in the stands. Luongo retired last June after playing 20 seasons in the NHL, including #MerciHenri pic.twitter.com/0FsYxvrU5j— Canadiens Montréal 11 with the Panthers, and will become the first player in franchise history (@CanadiensMTL) March 7, 2020 to have his number retired. The 40-year-old Montreal native is the “It’s one of those things where I’ve spent eight years in the city, so I have Panthers’ all-time leader in games played by a goalie (572), wins (230) a pretty good understanding of what (Richard) meant to the fan base, and shutouts (38). He now works as a special adviser to Florida GM Dale what he meant to the team,” Gallagher said. “You always play for the Tallon. jersey, you always play for the fan. But tonight it’s something a little bit “It’s a special night for Lu,” Panthers coach Joel Quenneville said. “It’s a different. I think you’re probably playing for his legacy and for him. I don’t great reflection on a spectacular career in a lot of ways. He meant a lot to think anything else matters. I think he gave so much to this organization, Florida. It’s night for us to acknowledge his achievements and everything helped build it, helped make it. He’s one of the pillars that makes the he’s done for the league. It could be inspiring in a lot of ways.” Montreal Canadiens the greatest hockey organization in the sport. It’s one of those things where you just want to honour him, play the way he How well do you know the career of Roberto Luongo? would have enjoyed his team to play and hopefully you do him proud.” Ahead of his jersey retirement, our @Katie_Gaus went out to test the On Friday, Canadiens coach Claude Julien talked about how Richard knowledge of these Cats fans. Watch below & see how you compare! was his father’s favourite player and said: “Like a lot of people today that pic.twitter.com/k97S6JqaFT— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 7, like the Brendan Gallagher kind of style — little guys that come in there 2020 and play big — well, that’s what Henri Richard did.” Where the teams stand Gallagher smiled Saturday morning when Julien’s comment was mentioned to him. The Canadiens have a 31-29-9 record and are in fifth place in the Atlantic Division eight points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the third and “I did hear it,” Gallagher said. “I think he was talking more the style rather final playoff spot. than the abilities. (Richard) had more ability than me. I think it’s pretty disrespectful to him to compare him to me (in talent). But in terms of The Panthers have a 33-26-8 record and are three points ahead of the style, I think he just did it in a time where he was definitely doubted. It Canadiens and five points behind Toronto. The Panthers, who are 0-2-2 was cool yesterday being able to hear the stories because I obviously in their last four games and 1-4-2 in their last seven, hold two games in didn’t get to see (him play). But being able to hear the stories … he was hand on the Leafs. doubted, 5-foot-7 I believe. Put down pretty much. Nobody really expected him to even play in the National Hockey League. They figured The Leafs are 0-2-1 in their last three games after losing 2-1 to the Ducks he was only getting the opportunity because of his brother. He was so Friday night in Anaheim. The Leafs don’t play Saturday. good, he was able to work his way out of Maurice Richard’s shadow, Here's link to video of action from #Habs morning skate in Florida ahead which isn’t an easy thing to do. I think it’s incredibly special.” of tonight's game vs. Panthers. #HabsIO: https://t.co/I9IBHGPZdn Gallagher back from flu pic.twitter.com/aZQ5HUvOuQ— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) March 7, 2020 Gallagher will be in the Canadiens’ lineup against the Panthers after missing Thursday night’s 4-0 loss to the Lightning in Tampa because of The lines the flu. Here’s how the Canadiens’ lines and defence pairings looked at the “I figured it would just be a day, but it had me on the ropes pretty good,” morning skate: Gallagher said about the flu bug. “I was buckled pretty good. But Lehkonen – Danault – Gallagher yesterday I started to feel better, I knew I’d be good to go tonight. So nice to be back in the lineup and help the team.” Hudon – Suzuki – Armia Byron – Domi – Weal

Vejdemo – Evans – Weise

Chiarot – Weber

Kulak – Petry

Ouellet – Folin

Alzner

Where the Canadiens rank

Heading into the game, the Canadiens ranked 17th in the NHL in offence, scoring an average of 2.97 goals per game, and they also ranked 17th in defence, allowing an average of 3.07. They ranked 21st on the power play (18.2 per cent), 19th in penalty-killing (78.4 per cent) and ninth in faceoffs (50.7 per cent).

Tatar was leading the Canadiens in scoring with 22-39-61 totals, followed by Phillip Danault (13-34-47), Max Domi (17-27-34), Gallagher (22-21- 43) and Nick Suzuki (13-27-40).

Where the Panthers rank

The Panthers ranked seventh in the NHL in offence heading into the game, scoring an average of 3.31 goals per game, and ranked 29th in defence, allowing an average of 3.31. They ranked ninth on the power play (21.3 per cent), 21st in penalty-killing (77.9 per cent) and 14th in faceoffs (50.2 per cent).

Jonathan Huberdeau was leading the Panthers in scoring with 22-55-77 totals, followed by Aleksander Barkov (20-42-62), Mike Hoffman (27-29- 56), Evgenii Dadonov (25-21-46) and Keith Yandle (5-40-45).

What’s next?

The Canadiens will fly home from Florida on Sunday and have two home games coming up at the Bell Centre against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio) and the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio, 98.5 FM).

On Friday, the Canadiens will fly to California to start a four-game road trip with games against the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180202 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens at Panthers: Five things you should know

STU COWAN

March 7, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Here are five things you should know about Saturday’s game between the Canadiens (31-29-6) and the Florida Panthers (33-26-8) at the BB&T Center (7 p.m., CBC, SN, SN360, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio, 98.5 FM).

Firing blanks: The Canadiens were shut out for the first time this season when they lost 4-0 to the Lightning on Thursday night in Tampa. The Canadiens outshot the Lightning 32-23, but couldn’t beat goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has now won eight straight starts against the Canadiens and is 11-0-2 in his last 13 games against them. After Thursday’s game, the Canadiens ranked second in the NHL with an average of 34.1 shots per game, but only ranked 18th in scoring with an average of 2.97 goals per game.

Lindgren gets start: Backup goalie Charlie Lindgren will get his second start in four games for the Canadiens after making 27 saves in a 4-3 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 29 at the Bell Centre. Brendan Gallagher, who missed Thursday’s game in Tampa with the flu, will return to the lineup after taking part in Saturday’s morning skate. Coach Claude Julien had no update on the condition of Tomas Tatar after the morning skate other than he was still seeing doctors back in Montreal about an upper-body injury he suffered during Tuesday’s 6-2 win over the Islanders in New York.

Playoff hopes fading: The Canadiens’ chances of making the playoffs fell to 0.9 per cent after the loss in Tampa, according to Sportsclubstats.com. The Panthers’ hopes are better at 23.5 per cent, but have dropped significantly after going 0-2-2 in their last four games and 1-4-2 in their last seven. The Canadiens are only three points behind the Panthers in the Atlantic Division, but Florida holds two games in hand. St-Jérôme native Jonathan Huberdeau leads the Panthers in scoring with 22-55-77 totals.

Honouring Luongo: The Panthers will retire No. 1 in honour of former goalie Roberto Luongo during a pregame ceremony. Luongo retired last June after playing 20 seasons in the NHL, including 11 with the Panthers, and will become the first player in franchise history to have his number retired. The 40-year-old Montreal native is the Panthers’ all-time leader in games played by a goalie (572), wins (230) and shutouts (38). He now works as a special adviser to Florida GM Dale Tallon.

Bobrovsky struggling: The Panthers hoped they had solved their goaltending problems last summer when they signed free-agent Sergei Bobrovsky to a seven-year, US$70-million contract after he had spent seven seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and helped them make the playoffs last year with a 37-24-1 record, a 2.58 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. But the 31-year-old has struggled this season with a 23-19-6 record, a 3.23 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Bobrovsky has been dealing with a lower-body injury and Chris Driedger is expected to start against the Canadiens. Driedger has a 5-2-1 record with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180203 Montreal Canadiens possible by a very good puck retrieval and breakout pass by Shea Weber. Close, but no cigar.

Closer and great selection of cigars Video Review: Jake Evans continues to impress on the 4th line The Panthers, on the other hand, did a much better job when it came to finishing plays, which, according to my sources, is a crucial part of hockey. It looks like Weber gets burned on this play by Lucas Wallmark, Marc Dumont and he does, but it should be noted that Noel Acciari’s fantastic tip in the neutral zone is what made the play possible. Mar 7, 2020 The worst five-on-three ever

Down by just one goal, the Canadiens were presented with a perfect If there’s one thing Canadiens fans can appreciate, it’s a delayed start opportunity to tie the score thanks to an extended five-on-three power due to a ceremony, which was the case Saturday night as the Canadiens play. visited the Florida Panthers, who were honouring Roberto Luongo by retiring his number. What happened next might just be the worst two-man advantage in the history of hockey. Once the puck was dropped, the Panthers took control of the game, although neither team was particularly impressive early on. The passes were so telegraphed that even Samuel Morse would be impressed. And it’s not that the Canadiens failed to shoot. Officially, the Canadiens put 34 shots on Chris Driedger, but as is usually the case, they made a backup goaltender seem like the clear-cut front- They definitely shot. A lot. runner for the Vezina Trophy on their way to a 4-1 loss. From far. Very far. All the small things But fear not, Canadiens fans. Once the Canadiens eventually figured out While there isn’t much on the line for the Canadiens, there’s a lot on the Weber wasn’t going to score from the right circle, they switched it up. line for players, such as Charles Hudon, who are auditioning for their next contracts. Hudon, who will be a restricted free agent at the end of Their next strategy, which was a telegraphed point shot from Petry, the season, continues to maintain strong underlying numbers, backed up somehow also failed. by his play on the ice. They had one more trick up their sleeve, which involved a telegraphed He’s never going to light the league on fire with his play in the offensive point shot from Weber, but the significant difference is that it took place zone, but he sure does generate a lot of shots with minimal ice time. He from the left circle instead of the right circle. Take that, predictability! also has the penchant to take part in the type of play that would be highly Scientists haven’t quite figured out why this particular innovative strategy praised if he were a grizzled vet with no offensive upside, such as his failed. second and third effort that led to a turnover and a great scoring chance Back to business for Jordan Weal. When it comes to Lindgren, you get two goaltenders. The guy who Hudon is third on the team in shots per 60, behind league leader makes excellent, if not slightly awkward, saves on quality scoring Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia. He’s struggling when it comes to chances: translating those shots into high-danger chances, which explains his lone goal this season, but we do have to be mindful of his usage and the And the goaltender who will allow unscreened goals shortly after making quality of his linemates. Playing a few shifts with Armia and Nick Suzuki those aforementioned great saves. allowed to him generate a little more high-quality offence. It’s been a constant throughout his professional career and explains why Another thing Hudon does quite well is quickly transitioning up the ice the Canadiens limited his starts when the points mattered. with control of the puck. Again, it’s not exactly an exciting play, but it’s what you want to see from a bottom-six player, especially when your But there are some goals against that are simply not a goaltender’s fault, team is struggling to generate chances — and boy, were the Canadiens such as Jonathan Huberdeau’s goal in the third period. You could argue struggling to create chances Saturday night. that Lindgren did not do a great job on the play, but you’d have to ignore the incredibly weak defensive play by the Canadiens, particularly from Seeking: Backup goaltender Christian Folin, who was completely lost in his own zone.

Another player who has a lot at stake is Charlie Lindgren, who is Final casting call auditioning for the backup role, the very same backup role that hasn’t been properly filled since Peter Budaj held the position earlier in the Just as Hudon and Lindgren are fighting for a spot in the lineup, Jake decade. Evans, who has played quite well since ’s departure, is looking to take advantage of his late-season call-up. Given the level of trust in goaltenders not named Carey Price, it’s going to be difficult for Lindgren to earn that from management in such a short His goal against the Panthers was a perfect example of what he brings to time, but if he plays as he did against the Panthers, he has a legitimate the table, and I’m not talking about his shot, even though it was very chance to impress his coach and general manager. good.

For example, playing for the Canadiens means he’ll have to deal with his When it comes to Evans, you’ll notice he works hard in addition to defencemen doing flybys on pucks nightly. When that happens, he has to working smart, which is why he was able to anticipate the play, cut off the be ready to make the save. pass, then exploit the open ice in the Panthers’ offensive zone.

Jeff Petry made sure Lindgren got plenty of experience in that Out of all the Canadiens’ tweeners, Evans definitely has the inside track department. for a spot in 2020-21, as long as Claude Julien is ready to trust a young player on the fourth line, which is still to be determined. As did Suzuki when he made a lazy pass behind the net that resulted in a great scoring chance for the Panthers. Again, Lindgren was up to the Final Word challenge, which is good, because when it comes to defensive There’s still time to build their case, but at this point, the three bubble giveaways and the Canadiens, it’s not really a matter of when it happens players have all enjoyed a quite varied level of success in the NHL this but rather how long the poor play lasts. The duration is also measured season. the same way people measure winters in “Game of Thrones.” Lindgren has made a lot of good saves but still hasn’t managed to find A scoring chance! his rhythm, which, admittedly, is difficult when you spend most of your It would be unfair to say the Canadiens had zero scoring chances, but it time on a stool at the end of the bench. wasn’t too far from the truth. The best opportunity they had at five-on-five Hudon has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’ll need to provide a little was probably the Max Domi breakaway in the second period, made more offence if he’s going to earn a permanent role. Evans, on the other hand, is doing everything he can to convince the Canadiens they don’t need to invest in a veteran fourth-liner next season.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180204 Nashville Predators

Juuse Saros, Predators shut out Stars for 2nd time in 3 days

5:00 p.m. CT March 7, 2020

Staff Writer

DALLAS (AP) — Juuse Saros shut out Dallas for the second time in three days, Ryan Ellis gained a measure of revenge with the only goal and the Nashville Predators beat the Stars 1-0 on Saturday.

Saros made 37 saves after stopping 33 in a 2-0 victory in Nashville on Thursday night. He has four shutouts this season and 11 overall, and is 6-0-1 against the Stars.

Ellis scored on a power play midway through the second period. Matt Duchene’s shot from the left point went over the net and bounded to Ellis for a wrist shot between goalie Ben Bishop and the left goal post.

Ellis missed 20 games after the Stars’ Corey Perry elbowed him in the face the last time the Predators played in Dallas on Jan. 1. Perry received a five-game suspension.

Bishop made 22 saves. Dallas has allowed seven goals in 16 penalty kills in the the last four games. The Stars are 0-3-2 in their last five games. They have not scored in 134:26.

The Predators have scored four goals in their last three games.

NOTES: Stars RW Alexander Radulov sat out because of illness. … Dallas' power play is 3 for 21 in the last eight games. … There were five roughing penalties. … The Stars honored referee Gord Dwyer for reaching the milestone of 1,000 NHL games. He has been a full-time referee since 2006.

UP NEXT

Predators: At Montreal on Tuesday night.

Stars: Host the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.

Tennessean LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180205 New Jersey Devils

Devils erupt for 6 goals to play spoiler in win over Rangers

Chris Ryan

NEW YORK -- In terms of their position in the standings, the Devils don’t have a ton to play for down the stretch of the 2019-20 season.

The Rangers, on the other hand, entered Saturday just two points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Every game and point is vital for their postseason hopes.

So the Devils went into Madison Square Garden looking to play spoiler against their biggest rival, and they did just that.

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Four second-period goals erased an early deficit and highlighted a Devils offensive eruption in a 6-4 win over the Rangers.

Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin appeared in his first game since suffering a rib injury in a car accident on Feb. 23, and the Devils ran the rookie sensation out of the game after he allowed five goals on 23 shots in two periods. Saturday marked just the second loss for Shesterkin in 11 starts, and he was pulled for the first time in his career.

The four Devils goals in the second period came in pairs. They scored twice 52 seconds apart to begin the frame, and the next two came 25 seconds apart deeper into the period.

Kyle Palmieri opened the surge with his second goal of the night, tying the game at 2-2 when he scored off a rebound 44 seconds into the frame.

Defenseman Fredrik Claesson scored his first goal as a Devils to secure a 3-2 lead when he buried a shot off a Nikita Gusev pass at 1:36.

Travis Zajac converted on a power play at 16:19 of the second period, redirecting a Nico Hischier pass in the slot to put the Devils ahead 4-2. John Hayden then tipped a Damon Severson shot into net at 16:44 for a 5-2 advantage.

Zajac tacked on a second goal with an empty netter with 55.7 seconds to play in the third period.

The Rangers held a 2-1 lead after the first period behind goals from Filip Chytil and Mika Zibanejad 1:44 apart. Palmieri also scored his first goal of the night between those two Rangers strikes to get the Devils on the board.

Despite allowing the two first-period goals, Mackenzie Blackwood settled in and returned to the win column with a 31-save effort. The Rangers pulled within 5-3 on a Greg McKegg goal at 13:42 of the third period, and Tony DeAngelo scored with 43 seconds to play.

Next up

The Devils will have an off day on Sunday following back-to-back games, and they will return to practice on Monday at Prudential Center in Newark before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

They will also host the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday before departing on a three-game road trip to Tampa Bay, Florida and Toronto.

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180206 New Jersey Devils Travis Zajac (3A) leads New Jersey in points against the Rangers tallying three in three games played. Damon Severson (1G-1A), Kevin Rooney (1G), Miles Wood (1G), P.K. Subban (1G) and Nikita Gusev (1G-1A) lead the Devils in goals, notching one a piece. Kyle Palmieri (1A), Jack Devils’ lines, pairings vs. Rangers (3/7/20) | Janne Kuokkanen recalled Hughes (1A) and Pavel Zacha (1A) have tallied helpers in the regular from AHL season series against NY Rangers. Subban tallied a season high for New Jersey in the Oct. 17 contest for shots on goal (9).

Mackenzie Blackwood has seen 154:34 minutes of action through three 7:05 PM; Today 7:00 PM games played. Blackwood is 1-2-0, posting a 3.88 GAA, allowing 10 Chris Ryan goals on 78 shots in the season series. Blackwood looks to improve his 7-4-2 record against Metropolitan Division opponents this season. Cory Schneider is 6-8-3 against the Rangers, allowing three goals on 44 shots against (.914) in 18 games played. NEW YORK -- Forward Janne Kuokkanen was recalled from the AHL, but he will not make his Devils debut when the team visits the Rangers at Tony DeAngelo (4G-2A) leads the Rangers in points against the Devils 7 p.m. on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. this season. DeAngelo notched the most points against New Jersey in a single game when the Blue Shirt notched three goals and two assists for Kuokkanen was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Feb. 24 five points on Jan. 9 @ Madison Square Garden. Jesper Fast (3G) has trade that sent defenseman Sami Vatanen to the Canes. Kuokkanen has tallied three goals in three games played against New Jersey, while Mika played in four games for the Binghamton Devils since the deal, where he Zibanejad (1G-3A) and Ryan Strome (3A) lead their club in assists. compiled three goals and three assists for six points. Alexandar Georgiev started the first two contests against the Devils. The 21-year-old has played in 11 NHL games in his career, though none Georgiev stopped 66 of 70 shots (.943), posting a 2.05 GAA through two of them came this season. contests. Igor Shesterkin got the start in the last contest against New Introducing Devils Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind-the-scenes Jersey, allowing three goals on 49 shots against. observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers The Devils are 2-6-1 at Madison Square Garden and 9-8-2 overall Kuokkanen was recalled for precautionary reasons, since the Devils had against the Rangers since the 2015-16 season. only 12 forwards on the roster prior to adding him. Star Ledger LOADED: 03.08.2020 Mackenzie Blackwood will start in goal to close the second half of a back- to-back.

Here’s how the Devils will line up against the Rangers:

FORWARDS

Miles Wood - Nico Hischier - Kyle Palmieri

Jack Hughes - Travis Zajac - Joey Anderson

Jesper Bratt - Pavel Zacha - Nikita Gusev

Kevin Rooney - Michael McLeod - John Hayden

DEFENSEMEN

Mirco Mueller - P.K. Subban

Dakota Mermis - Damon Severson

Fredrik Claesson - Connor Carrick

GOALIES

Starter: Cory Schneider

Backup: Mackenzie Blackwood

SCRATCHES

F: Janne Kuokkanen

D: Will Butcher (right thumb surgery, out for season)

Here are more game notes via the Devils:

Today’s contest marks the fourth and final contest between New Jersey and NY Rangers in the 2019-20 regular season series. The Devils trail the Rangers in the regular season series 1-2-0 (2PTS) in the regular season series.

In the last matchup, the Devils fell to the Rangers, 6-3. Through three games, New York leads New Jersey 12-8 in scoring. New Jersey is 10- 13 on the penalty kill and 1-17 on the power play in three games played. The Rangers tallied a season high against the Devils for most penalty minutes in one game on Nov. 30, with 34 PIM.

The Devils are outshooting the Rangers, 120-91 in three contests. The club looks to improve their 8-8-2 record (4-7-0 road) against Metropolitan Division rivals this season.

New Jersey concludes up their 14th of 16 sets of back-to-back play tonight. The club looks to improve their 6-6-1 record in second games. New Jersey opens up their 15th set of back-to-back action Mar. 14 @ FLA and Mar. 15 @ TB. 1180207 New Jersey Devils

How Cory Schneider’s NHL return has become a rallying point for Devils

Mar 07, 2020

Chris Ryan

Not to diminish the opponents from Cory Schneider’s first three starts in his return to the NHL, but Friday served as his first big test.

Road ins over the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks, plus an overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, were all positive stepping stones, but all three teams sit in the bottom five of the NHL standings. Friday gave Schneider a chance against the St. Louis Blues — the defending Stanley Cup champions and winners of eight straight games.

And like his past three starts, Friday was another quality outing.

Schneider’s 31 saves anchored a 4-2 Devils win at Prudential Center in Newark, and it gave Schneider his first home win of the season in his first start at The Rock since October.

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As Schneider grinded away in the AHL to make an NHL return, he occasionally mentioned his young son, who had been asking when he could see his dad play in New Jersey again. Schneider’s wife and two children were in the building on Friday, able to see the culmination of a long road back.

“It’s always nice to win, regardless. Doesn’t matter when or where, against whom," Schneider said. "So for me it’s just it’s just nice to be rewarded. But it’s not satisfying yet in terms of my game. Just want to keep at it and keep playing well and giving us a chance to win. So I think enjoy it for the night but kind of move on to the next one and just get ready because again the schedule’s pretty tough here for us down the stretch, so we can’t we can’t take any for granted.”

In his four games since being recalled the NHL, Schneider has stopped 119 of 125 shots, good for a .951 save percentage and 1.50 GAA in four outings.

After Schneider’s wins, the satisfaction inside the Devils’ wins has been palpable. Schneider’s teammates want to see him succeed as much as he does. Few have shown more joy than fellow goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who has quickly jumped off the bench to hug Schneider after each outing.

Thanks to some injuries and the Devils’ trade deadline moves, some of the players who played with Schneider in the AHL are now also with the big club, and they’ve seen his work carry over.

“I think his play is really speaking for itself, what he’s doing back there. He was great the whole time he was down there, he really showed that he really didn’t belong down there,” defenseman Dakota Mermis said. “And he’s continue that here. He’s been an elite goaltender for a reason, and he just keeps showing it really.”

Schneider’s season is starting to play out exactly like his 2018-19 campaign in terms of results. A brutal and winless start to the season led to a second-half resurgence, and like last year, Schneider just wants to keep piling up the quality outings.

“You root for him as a player. I know I’ve been through tough times. I can’t speak to Cory’s experience particularly, but you try to handle it as a man for your family, with grace and not taking your work home with you and that kind of thing,” defenseman Connor Carrick said. “He’s been exceptional at that and extremely positive role model in terms of how he’s handled some adversity. The only thing you want to do is play well, and he’s done that and good for him. It’s special to see, and I hope we can be a part of a resurrection for him and get back to where I would think he would want to be.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180208 New Jersey Devils Devils and Sabres will both be sitting this one out, but there is still plenty left to accomplish.

Fans might want the team to tank for Alexis Lafrenière, the projected No. NJ Devils emboldened by win over Rangers, why they aren't tanking 1 pick in this year's draft out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The team could end up with as many as three first-round draft picks and as few as one, so why not take a nosedive in the standings and position themselves for better odds to draft yet another phenom? Abbey Mastracco The lottery system was put into place to prevent tanking, but since the 4:16 a.m. ET March 8, 2020 Devils don't feel that they're far off from being competitive again, they'd like to accomplish some good things over the final month of play to be able to get a jumpstart on next season. NEW YORK — If the New Jersey Devils can’t play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs then the least they could do is prevent the New York Rangers "We still have a lot to play for," said Zajac, a longtime alternate captain. from getting into the postseason. "You want to feel good about your game going into the next season and winning definitely helps that." They may have done exactly that on Saturday night with a 6-4 win over their Hudson River rivals at Madison Square Garden. New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) makes a save on a close in shot by New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac scored twice, former Ranger Fredrik during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Claesson scored his first goal since December 18, 2018, and John Hayden put one past Egor Shesterkin as well. Mackenzie Blackwood This roster is built around young talent like Blackwood, Hischier and Jack made 31 saves on 35 shots. Hughes and supplemented by veterans like Palmieri and Zajac. It starts with the veteran leaders to establish good habits and motivate the team "We want to be spoilers," interim coach Alain Nasreddine said. "That was to keep up the intensity on a nightly basis. part of the message and the motivation." Nasreddine has also proved to be an effective motivator with players With wins in back-to-back games, the Devils are 28-28-12 (68 points) hanging on to his pregame talking points and intermission speeches. It's and at .500 for the first time all season. It's a moral victory with the a group effort and the younger members of the group seem to get it. playoffs out of reach, but a victory nonetheless. "We're really focused on creating a good culture here, playing the right How they won way and building for next year," Blackwood said. "You never know what could happen but we want to set the standard for a good work ethic, New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) is congratulated by responsibility for how you're supposed to play. Lately, we've been getting center Kevin Rooney (16) after scoring a goal against the New York rewarded." Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. What’s next The Devils have little to play for other than pride but as Nasreddine said they’re enjoying spoiling things for other teams. The Devils are back in action Tuesday night at Prudential Center when the Pittsburgh Penguins come to town for a 7 p.m., ET tilt. This was a big one to spoil. The Rangers came into this game just three points away from an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot and badly Bergen Record LOADED: 03.08.2020 needed the two points to leapfrog Carolina.

"These are fun games to play in," Palmieri said. "With how young of a roster we have, it's a learning process to try and win games this time of year, whether or not you're the team fighting for those points. We're going to continue to grow as a group and go out there and compete."

It looked as though the Blueshirts would gain some ground in that playoff race when they pulled out to a 2-1 lead in the first period, but Palmieri tied it with his second of the night just 44 seconds into the second. With Shesterkin coming off a rib injury from a car crash in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, the Devils wanted to wear him out early and make him work. The key was getting to the net and they did exactly that. The Devils used an aggressive forecheck to score three more times in the second period.

Claesson scored less than two minutes later from the Upper East Side, hammering a cross-ice feed by Nikita Gusev past Shesterkin off the rush. Hischier fed Zajac in the slot for the power play goal at 16:19 and Hayden made it 5-2 at 16:44 to chase Shesterkin from the game.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Fredrik Claesson (33) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden.

Henrik Lundqvist made five saves on five shots in what could possibly be his final appearance at Madison Square Garden, taking over for Shesterkin in the third period.

Greg McKegg pulled the Rangers to within two with just over six minutes left in regulation when he tipped in Brendan Smith’s point shot but they would get no further. The Devils made the Rangers chase the game and they never caught up. Zajac put it away with an empty-net goal shortly before Tony DeAngelo, a native of Sewell, New Jersey, scored the fourth for the Rangers in a frantic sequence.

Why it mattered

The Devils now have points in 16 of their last 20 games and have won 14 of their last possible 18 points. They already sold off all of their assets, including trading Wayne Simmonds to the Buffalo Sabres for a playoff run that doesn't seem to be materializing. New Jersey is currently two points ahead of the Sabres in the Eastern Conference standings. The 1180209 New Jersey Devils

Rangers, Islanders close locker room access amid coronavirus

Peter Botte

March 7, 2020 | 2:49pm

The Islanders, Rangers and Devils were among the first teams in North American pro sports leagues to close locker room access to the media in wake of coronavirus concerns.

NHL teams that choose to close their locker rooms will hold media availability in formal press conference areas.

The Islanders lost an afternoon game to the Hurricanes at the Coliseum, while the Devils beat the Rangers 6-4 on Saturday night at the Garden.

“We cannot control the amount of press that go in the room, who have credentials, who come from everywhere,” Islanders president Lou Lamoriello told reporters Saturday. “So we’re going to pro-act to that, and it is my understanding that Carolina will pro-act to that.”

Asked if the league has addressed the potential of limiting fan attendance at future games, Lamoriello added: “Right now, you’re as updated as I am what the league has done, has given us many materials that are available, as far as what to do to prevent it, and what we have to do in our locker rooms and around everything we do. You’ll know as soon as we know, just like you know right now. In fact you [in the media] knew before I did.”

The Rangers at first didn’t disclose whether they would follow the Islanders, but later announced they, too, would have media availability outside their locker room after the game. After the Rangers’ 6-4 loss to the Devils, the Rangers brought only Marc Staal, Mika Zibanejad and goalie Igor Shesterkin into the press conference room, followed by coach David Quinn.

Before their game, a spokesman for the Devils said the team had no plans to close its locker room for access, but reversed course after the game, saying they wanted to follow the Rangers’ lead in their building.

An ESPN report on Saturday said the league, following a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had mandated that teams close locker room. An NHL source, however, said that was not the case.

“Teams might make individual calls based on their own situations. But there is no league-wide mandate for today [or] tonight,” the source said. “Myriad concepts being discussed in all areas. Nothing finalized.”

The NHL previously had banned international travel for league-office employees. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN earlier this week the NHL was “starting to explore contingency plans” should the coronavirus become a more significant health threat in North America ahead of the 2019-20 playoffs.

Daly didn’t rule out the potential for postponing or canceling games, or playing games in empty arenas without fans.

“I think it’s very unlikely — knock on wood, I’m hopeful — that we would progress to a stage where we have to consider something that dramatic,” Daly told ESPN. “But certainly everything is possible, and we have to look at all possible contingencies. If it gets to that point, we will be ready.”

New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180210 New York Islanders New York Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020

Islanders skid continues as Trocheck scores in OT to lift Hurricanes

CHRISTIAN ARNOLD

MAR 07, 2020 | 4:24 PM

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Vincent Trocheck scored early in overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak, beating the New York Islanders 3-2 Saturday.

Trocheck notched his first goal with the Hurricanes on a power play 1:36 into the extra session, sending the Islanders to their sixth loss in a row.

During a scramble in front of the New York net, Trocheck knocked the puck past goaltender Thomas Greiss after teammate Andrei Svechnikov appeared to possibly tap the puck off the crossbar with a high stick.

The Islanders and Hurricanes duked it out at the Coliseum on Saturday.

The goal was confirmed after a lengthy review by the officials. It looked as though Svechnikov's stick was above the crossbar, but the league ruled his stick was below his shoulders and therefore a good goal.

"I was feeling like I wasn't getting any bounces those first few games," said Trocheck, acquired from Florida on Feb. 24. "To finally get one and for it to be an OT winner definitely something I'll remember."

The win kept Carolina two points back of the Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets, who occupy the two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.

"Every shift matters," Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "It's all coming down to details and those little things that we're talking about. The shot blocks and they all get magnified this time of year."

Josh Bailey tied the game at 2 for the Islanders with just under five minutes to play in the third period. Noah Dobson took a shot that goalie Anton Forsberg kicked away, but the rebound went right to Bailey for the goal.

Forsberg made 24 saves for the Hurricanes as he picked up his first win of the season. Ryan Pulock also scored for New York and Greiss made 25 saves.

"I thought we played hard, I thought we played a pretty fully 60," Bailey said. "We just fell a little short. Not sure about the goal in overtime."

Haydn Fleury opened the scoring at 13:22 of the first period. The Carolina defenseman beat Greiss on his glove side for his fifth goal of the season and second in three games.

Pulock tied the game with a shot from the point 5:15 into the second. Anders Lee stripped Brady Skjei of the puck in the corner to set Pulock up for the one-timer from just inside the faceoff circle. Pulock scored in his third straight game.

NOTES: Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrázek was on the ice for the second consecutive day ahead after missing the previous four games with a concussion. Mrázek practiced with the Hurricanes on Friday for the first time and then worked with the team's goaltending coach on Long Island on Saturday morning. … Carolina is in the middle of a season-high six- game road trip. It will face Pittsburgh, Detroit and New Jersey before returning to Raleigh to host Pittsburgh next Saturday. … Carolina scratched goaltender James Reimer. … Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck was scratched from Saturday's game after missing all of the third period in Thursday's loss to St. Louis and not practicing on Friday. He did skate in the pregame warmups. … New York defenseman missed his second consecutive game after taking a stick to the face on Tuesday. … The Islanders embark on a four-game road trip beginning on Tuesday, with stops in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Pittsburgh.

UP NEXT:

Hurricanes: At Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Islanders: At Vancouver on Tuesday. 1180211 New York Islanders

Islanders’ slump worsens with crushing loss to Hurricanes

Staff Writer

March 7, 2020 | 4:28pm

The Islanders gained a point to keep them ahead of the Hurricanes in the wild-card standings, but they missed a chance to create a little breathing room as they lost their sixth consecutive game.

Vincent Trocheck scored early in overtime and the Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak, beating the Islanders 3-2 Saturday.

Trocheck notched his first goal with the Hurricanes on a power play 1:36 into the extra session.

During a scramble in front of the New York net, Trocheck knocked the puck past goaltender Thomas Greiss after teammate Andrei Svechnikov appeared to possibly tap the puck off the crossbar with a high stick.

The goal was confirmed after a lengthy review by the officials. It looked as though Svechnikov’s stick was above the crossbar, but the league ruled his stick was below his shoulders and therefore a good goal.

“I thought we played hard, I thought we played a pretty fully 60,” Bailey said. “We just fell a little short. Not sure about the goal in overtime.”

“I was feeling like I wasn’t getting any bounces those first few games,” said Trocheck, acquired from Florida on Feb. 24. “To finally get one and for it to be an OT winner definitely something I’ll remember.”

The win kept Carolina two points back of the Islanders and Blue Jackets, who occupy the two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.

“Every shift matters,” Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “It’s all coming down to details and those little things that we’re talking about. The shot blocks and they all get magnified this time of year.”

Bailey tied the game at 2 for the Islanders with just under five minutes to play in the third period. Noah Dobson took a shot that goalie Anton Forsberg kicked away, but the rebound went right to Bailey for the goal.

Forsberg made 24 saves for the Hurricanes as he picked up his first win of the season. Ryan Pulock also scored for New York and Greiss made 25 saves.

Haydn Fleury opened the scoring at 13:22 of the first period. The Carolina defenseman beat Greiss on his glove side for his fifth goal of the season and second in three games.

Pulock tied the game with a shot from the point 5:15 into the second. Anders Lee stripped Brady Skjei of the puck in the corner to set Pulock up for the one-timer from just inside the faceoff circle. Pulock scored in his third straight game.

New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180212 New York Islanders

Rangers, Islanders close locker room access amid coronavirus

Peter Botte

March 7, 2020 | 2:49pm

The Islanders, Rangers and Devils were among the first teams in North American pro sports leagues to close locker room access to the media in wake of coronavirus concerns.

NHL teams that choose to close their locker rooms will hold media availability in formal press conference areas.

The Islanders lost an afternoon game to the Hurricanes at the Coliseum, while the Devils beat the Rangers 6-4 on Saturday night at the Garden.

“We cannot control the amount of press that go in the room, who have credentials, who come from everywhere,” Islanders president Lou Lamoriello told reporters Saturday. “So we’re going to pro-act to that, and it is my understanding that Carolina will pro-act to that.”

Asked if the league has addressed the potential of limiting fan attendance at future games, Lamoriello added: “Right now, you’re as updated as I am what the league has done, has given us many materials that are available, as far as what to do to prevent it, and what we have to do in our locker rooms and around everything we do. You’ll know as soon as we know, just like you know right now. In fact you [in the media] knew before I did.”

The Rangers at first didn’t disclose whether they would follow the Islanders, but later announced they, too, would have media availability outside their locker room after the game. After the Rangers’ 6-4 loss to the Devils, the Rangers brought only Marc Staal, Mika Zibanejad and goalie Igor Shesterkin into the press conference room, followed by coach David Quinn.

Before their game, a spokesman for the Devils said the team had no plans to close its locker room for access, but reversed course after the game, saying they wanted to follow the Rangers’ lead in their building.

An ESPN report on Saturday said the league, following a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had mandated that teams close locker room. An NHL source, however, said that was not the case.

“Teams might make individual calls based on their own situations. But there is no league-wide mandate for today [or] tonight,” the source said. “Myriad concepts being discussed in all areas. Nothing finalized.”

The NHL previously had banned international travel for league-office employees. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN earlier this week the NHL was “starting to explore contingency plans” should the coronavirus become a more significant health threat in North America ahead of the 2019-20 playoffs.

Daly didn’t rule out the potential for postponing or canceling games, or playing games in empty arenas without fans.

“I think it’s very unlikely — knock on wood, I’m hopeful — that we would progress to a stage where we have to consider something that dramatic,” Daly told ESPN. “But certainly everything is possible, and we have to look at all possible contingencies. If it gets to that point, we will be ready.”

New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180213 New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal's penalty kills Islanders' chance to win

Andrew Gross

March 8, 2020 1:27 AM

Mathew Barzal’s stick went up and cut the Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal along the boards in the offensive zone — and the Islanders suddenly went from a great opportunity to win to a potentially lengthy penalty kill.

After Barzal received a four-minute double-minor at 19:36 of the third period, Vincent Trocheck scored the video-reviewed power-play winner at 1:36 of overtime with the Hurricanes skating four-on-three, handing the Islanders a 3-2 loss on Saturday at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. Barzal’s penalty negated an Islanders power play after only 28 seconds.

“It’s a little bit of a cardinal sin in the end,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “You can’t take a penalty that late in the game, and it goes into overtime. That’s a little bit on us there. That’s the difference between winning and losing. We have an opportunity and maybe we finish the game off. We took an opportunity away with the penalty.”

Notes & quotes: Andrew Ladd logged a physical 12:06 in his third game for the Islanders this season. He has spent most of the season with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport . . . Cal Clutterbuck participated in pregame warmups but did not play after sitting out the third period of Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime loss at Ottawa with an unspecified injury. Trotz said it was a separate issue from the one that kept Clutterbuck out from Dec. 21-Feb. 27 after his left forearm was cut by Patrice Bergeron’s skate blade in Boston on Dec. 19 . . . Trotz said he expects Casey Cizikas and defenseman Johnny Boychuk to travel with the team to Vancouver, where the Islanders will open a four-game road trip on Tuesday night against the Canucks. Cizikas (left leg laceration) has missed 12 games since being cut by a skate blade and Boychuk missed his second game since requiring 90 stitches in his left eyelid after being cut by a skate blade . . . It was a fifth straight sellout of 13,917 at the Coliseum.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180214 New York Islanders Defenseman Thomas Hickey, brought up from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport on emergency recall on Thursday, has had a rough season. Injuries have limited the 31-year-old to 14 games for the Sound Tigers after he spent the past seven seasons mostly as an Islanders’ For sputtering Islanders, missing playoffs would be disaster regular.

But that’s not Hickey’s main concern right now. His brother Dan, 33, was diagnosed in September with glioblastoma. That’s the same, aggressive Andrew Gross brain tumor that Rush drummer Neil Peart succumbed to in January after March 7, 2020 10:52 PM a three-year battle.

It’s Dan Hickey’s second battle with a brain tumor in under two years.

However the rest of this regular season winds up for the Islanders, this The organization has allowed Thomas Hickey the freedom to travel back much is clear: Missing the playoffs would be a disaster for the to Calgary to see his brother as much as possible. organization. “I have one job, and that’s to be there for my family,” Thomas Hickey On several levels. said. “This [playing hockey] is my job but it sort of comes second to everything else. In saying that, hockey is such an important outlet to me. First is just the obvious of the wasted opportunity. The Islanders built a It keeps me healthy.” huge cushion with a 16-3-2 start thanks to a franchise-record 15-0-2 run. Even after a so-so December, the Islanders were on a pace for 114 Thomas Hickey was planning another trip to Calgary this week, points. Now, they won’t get to 100 points without another much-needed regardless of whether he remains on the Islanders’ roster or not as the winning streak. team starts its Western Canada road trip on Tuesday in Vancouver.

And this is after president and general manager Lou Lamoriello sent a He said his brother thrives on the visits. conditional first-round pick in 2020 (top three protected), a second-round “He’s a special person,” Thomas Hickey said. “I haven’t heard him pick in 2020 and a conditional third-round pick in 2022 (only included if complain once. So, I think that gives you good perspective. He’s a the Islanders win the Stanley Cup this season) to the Senators for Jean- positive guy. He loves people and loves his friends and family. We’ve got Gabriel Pageau. Plus, Lamoriello sent a second-round pick in 2021, people seeing him every day and that’s what keeps him happy.” along with minor-league defenseman David Quenneville to the Devils for Andy Greene. Picked from the pod

Acquiring those veterans was a sign the Islanders were “going for it” this Current MSG Networks analyst Butch Goring became the eighth player season, not to mention needed reinforcements after long-term injuries to from the Islanders’ squads that won four straight Stanley Cups from top-pair defenseman Adam Pelech and identity-setting center Casey 1980-83 to have his number retired when No. 91 was lifted to the rafters Cizikas. — the “toy department” in Goring parlance — at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on Feb. 29. A playoff miss would be a serious step back after the Islanders finished second in the Metropolitan Division last season and reached the second Goring was the guest on Episode 24 of Newsday’s Island Ice podcast to round of the playoffs in their first season of the Lamoriello/Barry Trotz discuss the honor and, among other topics, the notion that he was the regime, even if they did get swept by the Hurricanes. “final piece” to the Cup puzzle when he was acquired from the Kings on March 10, 1980. And it would lead to questions about next season’s playoff chances, given how well the Flyers have developed in their first season under “Nineteen seventy-eight, 1979, they suffered a couple of tough losses,” Alain Vigneault and how the Rangers have progressed with Mika Goring said of playoff eliminations to the Maple Leafs and Rangers, Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, the player the Islanders should have respectively. “But that was a really good hockey team. They could have locked up. The Capitals and Alex Ovechkin and the Penguins and Sidney easily won Stanley Cups. Listen, I wasn’t coming in there and becoming Crosby aren’t going anywhere, either. a superstar. They already had enough superstars. I was coming in there to do what I could do. Bill Torrey, Al Arbour, they knew exactly what kind A playoff miss would again highlight the Islanders need to add more of player they were getting and that’s why they wanted me. I just walked scoring “pop” to their lineup, something Trotz said at last season’s in there and I was comfortable with who I am. breakup day. To be fair, even if the Islanders make the playoffs, this should be an offseason priority. “I never felt pressure to do anything different,” Goring added. “I knew my game, in my own mind, could help them. But they were a great team. Lamoriello went hard after Panarin last summer. But the sides could not They didn’t need a whole lot of help. They, maybe, just needed to get a conclude a contract agreement and Panarin took less money to play for little confidence in themselves, more than anything else.” the Rangers. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.08.2020 Would Taylor Hall fit the bill? The former Hart Trophy winner certainly appears headed for unrestricted free agency after the Devils swapped him to the Coyotes as a rental.

The Islanders also need to get younger with their roster and having any combination of first-rounders Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows and/or Simon Holmstrom develop into a full-time NHLer would help on that front and, presumably, with the team’s scoring.

But a playoff miss would also highlight how the Islanders are locked in with the core of their roster and the long-term viability to have success with it.

Top-six forwards Anders Lee, Jordan Eberle, Josh Bailey and Brock Nelson are all signed to long-term deals. Pageau just agreed to a six- year extension. New deals are presumably coming for impending unrestricted free agents Mathew Barzal and defenseman Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

These are the Islanders, this season and in the coming seasons, that management is counting on to be a perennial playoff contender. Particularly with a new arena coming at Belmont Park in 2021.

A playoff miss this season calls all that into question.

Hickey's priorities 1180215 New York Islanders “It’s tough,” Mayfield said. “A lot of stuff is tough right now. We’re not getting the bounces. We didn’t get some of the calls. But that happens. The play was kind of weird before the goal.”

Islanders fall in overtime to Hurricanes; losing streak reaches six The Hurricanes regained a 2-1 lead at 6:16 of the third period as defenseman Joel Edmundson was left wide open at the crease to tap in the rebound of Svechnikov’s shot from the right circle.

Andrew Gross Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.08.2020 March 8, 2020 1:01 AM

The on-ice officials huddled with their headphones on. The Islanders, certain of the outcome of the overtime video review, were preparing to continue their penalty kill. The Hurricanes were at their bench, drawing up a new play rather than celebrating what turned out to be their eventual winner.

Then Vincent Trocheck’s power-play goal at 1:36 of overtime was upheld, sending the Islanders to a 3-2 loss — their sixth straight defeat — on Saturday afternoon at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum.

Trocheck banked the puck off sprawling Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield for the winning goal moments after Andrei Svechnikov swiped it off the crossbar with what appeared to be a high stick. It was ruled that the 6-2 Svechnikov’s stick was not over his shoulders, though it was above the crossbar.

“Because it didn’t go directly in the net, the high stick is the shoulders, not the crossbar,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said, relaying the explanation he was given. “They felt it wasn’t over the shoulders, therefore it’s in play and a good goal.”

It left the Islanders (35-23-9) in a 0-3-3 slide as they start a four-game road trip in Vancouver on Tuesday night.

The Islanders and Blue Jackets each have 79 points, with Columbus (32- 22-15) having played two more games, and currently hold the Eastern Conference’s two wild-card spots. They are only two points ahead of the Hurricanes and three points ahead of the Rangers and Panthers.

Thomas Greiss made 25 saves for the Islanders and Anton Forsberg stopped 24 shots for the Hurricanes, who are 1-3-1 since regular goalies Petr Mrazek and James Reimer were injured in the same game.

The Islanders twice came back from one-goal deficits — Josh Bailey tied it at 2-2 with 4:58 left in the third period — but thanks to the odd ending, they were unable to gain another valuable point.

“It’s really confusing,” said Anders Lee, who notched his 300th career point by setting up Ryan Pulock to tie the score at 1 at 5:15 of the second period (the defenseman extended his goal streak to three games).

“You hate to see a game end like that,” Lee added. “That was a good hockey game. That doesn’t sit well at all. That’s just a tough way to lose a game.”

Especially after the Hurricanes’ game-deciding power- play goal followed an aborted Islanders power play. Former Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei tripped Mathew Barzal with 52 seconds left in the third period, but

Barzal was called for a four-minute high stick on Jordan Staal in the Hurricanes’ zone 28 seconds later.

“They got the necessary bounces today,” said Bailey, who knocked in the rebound of defenseman Noah Dobson’s shot for his first goal in six games. “I thought we played hard. I thought we played a pretty full 60 minutes. We just fell a little bit short. The goal in overtime, it’s an accidental high stick for Barzy. That stuff happens. Scotty [Mayfield] took one in the face for a few stitches.”

Bailey was referring to the sequence that immediately preceded the Hurricanes’ first goal, as Justin Williams tipped defenseman Haydn Fleury’s shot from the right point at 13:22 of the first period.

Behind Greiss’ crease, Mayfield had his right cheek cut by Teuvo Teravainen’s shoulder.

“They missed it,” Trotz said. “It wasn’t a high stick. They just said they didn’t see it, and you can’t call it if you don’t see it.”

Williams’ goal also withstood a video review as Mayfield clearly was bleeding. 1180216 New York Rangers

Igor Shesterkin allows five goals in first game back from accident

MICHAEL DOMINSKI

MAR 07, 2020 | 10:27 PM

Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri each scored twice and the New Jersey Devils used a big second period to beat the New York Rangers 6-4 Saturday night.

Fredrik Claesson and John Hayden also scored, and Damon Severson and Dakota Merkis each had two assists to help the Devils improve to 6- 1-2 in their last nine games. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 31 shots to improve to 8-1-2 in his last 11.

Mika Zibanejad, Tony DeAngelo, Filip Chytil, and Greg McKegg each scored for the Rangers, who fell three points out of the two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.

Igor Shesterkin allowed five goals on 23 shots over two periods in his first game since sustaining a rib fracture in a car accident on Feb. 23. Henrik Lundvist replaced him to start the third and stopped all five shots he faced.

The Devils trailed 2-1 after one period before scoring four times in the second to take control.

Palmieri got his second of the night and 25th of the season just 44 seconds into the middle period to tie the score.

Devils defenseman Fredrik Claesson (33) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Rangers.

Claesson, who played 37 games for the Rangers last season, gave the Devils the lead for good just 52 seconds later. It was his first goal in five games this season.

Zajac pushed New Jersey's lead to 4-2 on its first power play of the night with less than four minutes remaining in the second.

Hayden made it 5-2 just 25 seconds later, snapping a 14-game point drought.

The Rangers cut their deficit to 5-3 with 6:18 left in the third on McKegg's fifth of the season.

Zajac scored his second goal of the game on an empty net in the final minute, moving past Zach Parise for fourth place on the franchise list with 195 goals.

DeAngelo pulled the Rangers to 6-4 just 13 seconds later, but that was as close as the Rangers got.

The first period was punctuated by three goals in less than two minutes. Chytil opened the scoring for the Rangers 5:34 into the game, converting from the slot after receiving Julien Gauthier's pass from behind the net. The goal ended a seven-game point drought for Chytil.

The Devils tied it 1-1 only 48 seconds later, as Palmieri beat Shesterkin from a tight angle. But New York regained the lead just 56 seconds after that. One game after a historic five-goal performance against the Capitals, Zibanejad found the back of the net once again. The 26-year- old has 21 goals in his last 20 games.

The Devils came close to tying the game in the first period, with Kevin Rooney failing to score on a breakaway.

This was the final meeting of the season between the Devils and the Rangers, with each team earning two wins.

NOTES: The Rangers moved F Kaapo Kakko down to the fourth line, switching him with Gauthier. ... New York scratched injured F Chris Kreider and G Alexandar Georgiev. ... The Devils scratched injured D Will Butcher and F Janne Kuokkanen, who was recalled from Binghamton (AHL) before the game.

New York Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180217 New York Rangers would be open,” Brendan Shanahan, a teammate, told Slap Shots. “He wasn’t quite in the [Pavel] Datsyuk category, but he was similar in his skill set at the start.”

David Quinn recalls playing in empty arena in ‘Measles’ Game’ Pavel Datsyuk … Jon Morris … what?

“Well, Pavel took it to the next level,” Shanahan said. “Jon, he just quit. He went home.” Larry Brooks Morris did return the next year, in fact playing for a short time on the top March 7, 2020 | 10:28PM line between Shanahan and John MacLean when Patrik Sundstrom went down with a bad back, and played 86 games overall for the Devils over

slices of five seasons in which he recorded 16 goals and 46 points. He The NHL has not yet advised its teams to prepare contingency plans for had brief stints with the Sharks and Bruins before playing one year in playing games without spectators in the arena as a means of protection Italy and another in Germany (neither around the corner from Lowell) to against coronavirus, even as has the NBA. end his career.

But if that does become a necessity, David Quinn has experience with “Jon was very quiet and very smart,” Shanahan said. “He was really well- the phenomenon. See, the Blueshirts coach was a freshman liked and respected in the room. I enjoyed playing with him.” defenseman who played for Boston University against Lowell in the They don’t make hockey nicknames like the “Pocket Rocket” anymore, “Measles Game” at Walter Brown Arena on Feb. 27, 1985, in which and they don’t make hockey players like Henri Richard anymore, either. spectators were barred because of an outbreak of the disease on campus. Richard, an 11-time Stanley Cup winner over the course of his 20 year- career with the fabled Bleu, Blanc et Rouge, passed on Friday at age 84. “You know it’s kind of funny, you’re 18, 19, and you don’t really give an He was as fierce as they came, this 5-foot-7 (maybe) center who was 15 awful lot of thought to stuff like that, or at least you didn’t back in those years younger than his older brother, Maurice; as willful in his way as days,” Quinn told Slap Shots on Friday. “It was kind of like, ‘Who cares? . We’ve got a game to play, let’s go.’ He scored late in the second period and early in the third for the tying “I remember that the first 10 minutes or so, it was really strange. But and winning goals of Game 7 of the 1971 Cup final in Chicago. He then, it kind of seemed normal. You play in empty rinks all the time when scored the overtime Cup winner in Game 6 in Detroit in 1966 by you’re a kid, right? So, really for me the most memorable part of that sweeping the puck in with his arm or hand as he went sliding through the night was beating Lowell … and we wanted to beat Lowell.” crease, predating the Brett Hull no-goal controversy by 43 years. In 1971, We’ll get to Lowell in a moment, but the legendary Jack Parker, who by the way, he had been benched by Al MacNeil late in Game 5. Richard coached BU for 40 years and was behind the bench for that 5-3 triumph, responded by calling him, “The worst coach I ever played for,” two games called that game the strangest moment in the Terriers’ 34-year run from before scoring the Cup winner. 1971 through 2005 at the old barn. In New York, of course, he was renowned for his series of fights in the “The ‘Measles Game,’ for sure. We played a game with nobody here,” penalty box at the old Garden with Vic Hadfield. These were the days Parker said in an interview with uscho.com when his team made the when teams shared a penalty box, players from opposing sides move to Agganis Arena. “There was a measles outbreak around campus separated by an aisle in the stands and perhaps a security guard. and some other campuses. So it was the press, the referees, the “It was nothing personal, but I didn’t like him one bit back then,” Hadfield timekeepers and us — no fans whatsoever. It was a real eerie feeling, a said last year before his No. 11 retirement ceremony. “He was such an very bizarre game.” important player on their team, he was the guy I had to get off his game Quinn said none of the members of the team caught the measles. Fifty- and target. There was mutual respect, but there was also a mutual four students were found to have contracted the disease before BU dislike. Nothing personal. It was our job. I got to know him later after we canceled public events for a short time leading into spring break. One retired, and it was different.” basketball game against Northeastern was played without spectators. New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 “It was just that one game,” said Quinn, who at first thought that the match might have been played in his senior season. “Then it was just back to the normal stuff.”

So, Lowell?

“They were one of the teams Hockey East took on from the ECAC and we wanted to kind of stand up for the league,” Quinn said. “So we were up for playing Lowell.”

BU played Lowell (UMass Lowell since 1991), whose campus is located approximately 25 miles outside of Boston, four times that year and won all four. And if Quinn doesn’t distinctly recall details of the “Measles Game,” he sure remembers Lowell’s best player, Jon Morris.

“Jon Morris, there’s a guy as talented as they came,” Quinn said. “It was incredible what he could do. Honest. But he was a different guy. He always wanted to be home. When he was recruited by BU, he told Jack Parker that it was too far from home and so he went to Lowell. Twenty- five miles!

“But what he could do on the ice … I think he’s still Hockey East’s all-time leading scorer.”

Morris is indeed the conference’s all-time leading scorer, having recorded 177 points (74-103) in 121 games, with BC’s David Emma and BU’s John Cullen, a teammate of Quinn’s, second and third, respectively. Morris had been the Devils’ fifth-round and 86th-overall draft selection in 1984 and joined the team in 1988-89 off a terrific training camp. He played four games and … went home.

“Talk about skill, guys would watch him do things with the puck in practice and just start laughing at how amazing it was. Guys’ mouths 1180218 New York Rangers New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020

Rangers can’t pick up Igor Shesterkin as playoff hopes take hit

Peter Botte

March 7, 2020 | 9:46pm

Igor Shesterkin was back in net, Mika Zibanejad scored another goal and the Rangers still wasted a chance Saturday night to take another step forward in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt with what David Quinn branded an “alarming” team-wide dud.

Shesterkin coughed up four straight goals on 11 shots in the second period in his first appearance in two weeks, and Henrik Lundqvist mopped up in the third as the Rangers got trounced in all facets of the game on home ice by the Devils, 6-4, at the Garden.

“The goaltender was the least of our problems tonight. I don’t think we had one guy have a good night tonight,” Quinn said. “This is kind of what we’ve done all year, right? Unfortunately this is who we’ve been.

“There really isn’t much to talk about. They were better than us in every capacity. ‘Want’ is a very important characteristic in this sport. We played a team that wanted it much, much more than we did.”

Shesterkin, who seized the No. 1 goalie job from Lundqvist by winning nine of his first 10 NHL starts with a 2.23 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage after a Jan. 6 recall, suffered a fractured rib in a car accident with teammate Pavel Buchnevich on Feb. 23 in Brooklyn.

The 24-year-old Russian completed a full practice Friday before being cleared to return after Alexandar Georgiev had started five of the six games while Shesterkin was sidelined.

The Devils managed five goals on 23 shots through two periods before Lundqvist stopped all six shots he faced in the third as the Rangers (36- 28-4) remained three points behind the seventh-place Islanders and No. 8 Columbus in the East.

“I don’t know if they were still excited over what happened against Washington, Mika’s five goals. There was such euphoria, the building was rocking,” Quinn said about Zibanejad’s franchise record-tying five goals in Thursday’s 6-5 overtime win over the Capitals. “I don’t know whether we just didn’t get over it, but it’s disappointing.”

Zibanejad netted his ninth goal in four games and 39th of the season on a give-and-go return pass from Adam Fox at 7:18 for a 2-1 Rangers lead — with fans chanting “Igor” a few times — after 20 minutes. But the Blueshirts certainly weren’t fooled by that cushion.

“I think we didn’t have it in the first period, either,” Zibanejad said. “We just couldn’t find a way to get back to our game. We made it really easy for them. If we want to play in the playoffs, we can’t do this. Just a bad performance.”

Shesterkin’s rust emerged in the middle session, allowing Kyle Palmieri’s second of the game 44 seconds into the period and another goal by defenseman Fredrik Claesson less than one minute later for a 3-2 turnaround lead at 1:36.

Travis Zajac (power play) and John Hayden also beat Shesterkin within 25 seconds of each other for a 5-2 lead for the Devils, who reached NHL- .500 (28-28-12) and improved to 10-4-2 in their last 16 games.

“We played way too loose,” defenseman Marc Staal said. “This time of year, it’s only going to get harder. We have to understand that.”

Quinn sent Lundqvist out to start the third to chants of “Henrik,” for just his fifth appearance (second in relief) since the beginning of February.

Greg McKegg drew the Blueshirts within 5-3 with a deflection goal with 6:18 remaining, but Zajac added an empty-netter for his second of the game with 56 seconds to go. Tony DeAngelo also scored in the closing seconds for the Rangers.

“It’s not surprising, because this has happened to us way too many times,” Quinn said. “I don’t want to take anything away from [the Devils], they’ve been doing this for a while, but to really get outplayed the way we did tonight in every capacity is alarming.” 1180219 New York Rangers

Rangers, Islanders close locker room access amid coronavirus

Peter Botte

March 7, 2020 | 2:49pm

The Islanders, Rangers and Devils were among the first teams in North American pro sports leagues to close locker room access to the media in wake of coronavirus concerns.

NHL teams that choose to close their locker rooms will hold media availability in formal press conference areas.

The Islanders lost an afternoon game to the Hurricanes at the Coliseum, while the Devils beat the Rangers 6-4 on Saturday night at the Garden.

“We cannot control the amount of press that go in the room, who have credentials, who come from everywhere,” Islanders president Lou Lamoriello told reporters Saturday. “So we’re going to pro-act to that, and it is my understanding that Carolina will pro-act to that.”

Asked if the league has addressed the potential of limiting fan attendance at future games, Lamoriello added: “Right now, you’re as updated as I am what the league has done, has given us many materials that are available, as far as what to do to prevent it, and what we have to do in our locker rooms and around everything we do. You’ll know as soon as we know, just like you know right now. In fact you [in the media] knew before I did.”

The Rangers at first didn’t disclose whether they would follow the Islanders, but later announced they, too, would have media availability outside their locker room after the game. After the Rangers’ 6-4 loss to the Devils, the Rangers brought only Marc Staal, Mika Zibanejad and goalie Igor Shesterkin into the press conference room, followed by coach David Quinn.

Before their game, a spokesman for the Devils said the team had no plans to close its locker room for access, but reversed course after the game, saying they wanted to follow the Rangers’ lead in their building.

An ESPN report on Saturday said the league, following a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had mandated that teams close locker room. An NHL source, however, said that was not the case.

“Teams might make individual calls based on their own situations. But there is no league-wide mandate for today [or] tonight,” the source said. “Myriad concepts being discussed in all areas. Nothing finalized.”

The NHL previously had banned international travel for league-office employees. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN earlier this week the NHL was “starting to explore contingency plans” should the coronavirus become a more significant health threat in North America ahead of the 2019-20 playoffs.

Daly didn’t rule out the potential for postponing or canceling games, or playing games in empty arenas without fans.

“I think it’s very unlikely — knock on wood, I’m hopeful — that we would progress to a stage where we have to consider something that dramatic,” Daly told ESPN. “But certainly everything is possible, and we have to look at all possible contingencies. If it gets to that point, we will be ready.”

New York Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180220 New York Rangers They scored four goals in a span of 16 minutes to seize control of the game and send Shesterkin to the bench.

"We didn't feel good at all after the first period," Quinn said. "It was nice Postgame analysis: Igor Shesterin's return spoiled as NY Rangers lose to to be up — don't get me wrong — but we didn’t feel good at all about the Devils way things were going in the first period."

Kyle Palmieri began the onslaught 44 seconds into the period with his second goal of the game, which was followed by goals from Fredrik Vincent Z. Mercogliano Claesson, Travis Zajac and John Hayden.

11:19 p.m. ET March 7, 2020 The Claesson goal featured an especially bad sequence from the defense, which saw three Rangers collapse around Nikita Gusev and

leave Claesson wide open in the opposite circle. NEW YORK - At this point in the season, every win feels like a statement Giving his former team nightmares.#WeAreTheOnes | and every loss is stinging. #NJDvsNYRpic.twitter.com/NerKelvRjx Saturday was an example of the latter. — New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 8, 2020 Coming off a rousing overtime win against the Washington Capitals on That made it 3-2 and put New Jersey ahead for good. Thursday, the Rangers were humbled by the last-place New Jersey Devils with a 6-4 loss in front of what had been a riled up Madison The Rangers scored twice in the third period on goals from Greg McKegg Square Garden crowd. and Tony DeAngelo, but an empty-netter from Zajac sealed the win for the Devils. "There really isn't much to talk about," Rangers coach David Quinn said. "They were better than us in every capacity. Want is a very, very Despite sitting in last place in the Metropolitan Division, the Devils important characteristic in this sport. We played a team that wanted it improved to 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. much, much more than we did." "We talked about it before the game, that they were probably licking their Much of the pregame excitement centered around the return of Igor chops to make it hard on us," Marc Staal said. Shesterkin. More takeaways from Vin The rookie goalie made a speedy recovery from a fractured rib he sustained in a car accident on Feb. 23 and was a surprise addition to the You could argue that the Rangers would have been better off starting lineup. And while his defense let him down on a few occasions, the Lundqvist or Georgiev to avoid the rust from Shesterkin, but at some sharpness he displayed while beginning his NHL career with a 9-1 record point they were going to have to roll the dice and throw him back in there. was lacking. As long as he's healed — which he claimed he is, and there's no reason to think the Rangers would force him in if he wasn't — they had to get "I felt good, but I wasn’t able to help the team win," Shesterkin said. "I’m over this hump eventually. They could have waited and put him in against not feeling good about that." playoff teams in Dallas or Colorado. Or they could have tried it against a last-place team in their own building. I can see the logic. "We just have to Prior to the game, Quinn indicated that wasn't surprised that Shesterkin get through it," Quinn said. was able to come back just 13 days after the accident, "just based on the way things have been going." I asked Shesterkin if it was more difficult dealing with the injury or the two-week lay-off. "I felt good," he said. "It was just hard to get back into Alexandar Georgiev started five of the six games that Shesterkin missed, the game." winning three of them, but he allowed five goals apiece in two of the last three. Quinn thought they had much bigger issues than Shesterkin. "The goaltender was the least of our problems tonight," he said. "I don’t think It seemed like a possibility the Rangers (36-28-4) would turn to Henrik we had one guy have a good night." Lundqvist, who played for the first time in a month in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. And while they opted to start Shesterkin instead, It's true that it was a bad night for pretty much everyone, but there were a Lundqvist was called on for the third period after Shesterkin allowed five few small bright spots. A couple guys in the bottom six at least seemed to goals on 23 shots. play with high energy. McKegg had a goal and an assist, and I thought Julien Gauthier responded well to his promotion to the third line. He was The first shot Lundqvist saw was a breakaway from Jack Hughes, which active with two shots on goal, two blocked shots and an nice assist from he handled with a glove save. behind the net on the Chytil goal. He drove to the net consistently and Welcome to the game, Henrik #NYRpic.twitter.com/Oqmsiw39gh showed some skill moving the puck around. It felt like another game he can build on. — Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) March 8, 2020 Chytil. He saved all five shots that he faced. From Gauthier and Fox.#TheFutureIsBrightpic.twitter.com/Gh6coh3eoB The Rangers' loss, coupled with the Carolina Hurricanes beating the Islanders in overtime earlier on Saturday, leaves the Blueshirts sitting — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 8, 2020 three points out of a wild card spot with 14 games to play. You'd think the Rangers would be past the point of a letdown given the "I thought it was too soft," Mika Zibanejad said. "We made it really easy importance of each game, but apparently not. "We got a little too for them and we just didn’t have an answer. We dug ourselves a hole. confident, thinking it was going to be an easy night," Staal said. "It Going forward, with the playoff type of games we have in front of us, we snowballed on us quick." just can’t do that. … It was just a bad performance overall." Now the Rangers will embark on a three-game road trip, beginning Key moment Tuesday night in Dallas. We've seen them turn the page quickly before, so I wouldn't expect much of a carryover effect. But considering their The Rangers took a 2-1 lead into the second period thanks to goals from situation, I think the goal has to be winning at least two of these three Filip Chytil and Zibanejad, who scored his 39th of the year after tying a road games. "One of things we talked about when things are going well, franchise record with five in Thursday's win over Washington. we’ve got to move past it — and we’ve got to move past this," Quinn said. "We’re going to go on a road trip here, and our season’s not over by Can't stop. any stretch of the imagination. We’ve got to get over this and get ready Won't ever stop. pic.twitter.com/IydiUrpF9w for Dallas."

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 8, 2020 Bergen Record LOADED: 03.08.2020

But the second period was dominated by the Devils. 1180221 New York Rangers NOTE: This lineup is based on Friday's practice and could be subject to change.

Forwards NY Rangers projected lineup: Igor Shesterkin could return; Kaapo Kakko First line → Phil Di Giuseppe (LW) – Mika Zibanejad (C) – Pavel moves down Buchnevich (RW)

Second line → Artemi Panarin (LW) – Ryan Strome (C) – Jesper Fast Vincent Z. Mercogliano (RW)

11:52 a.m. ET March 7, 2020 Third line → Brett Howden (LW) – Filip Chytil (C) – Julien Gauthier (RW)

Fourth line → Brendan Lemieux (LW) – Greg McKegg (C) – Kaapo Kakko (RW) NEW YORK - Less than two weeks after fracturing a rib in a car accident, it appears that Igor Shesterkin is ready to return to game action. Defense

The Rangers' rookie goalie was on the ice with the team on Thursday First pair → Ryan Lindgren (L) and Adam Fox (R) and Friday, taking shots and practicing as a full participant, and is the Second pair → Brendan Smith (L) and Jacob Trouba (R) probable starter for Saturday's 7 p.m. home game against the New Jersey Devils. Third pair → Marc Staal (L) and Tony DeAngelo (R)

"He looked good today," coach David Quinn said following Friday's Goalies practice at the MSG Training Center. "We’ll get an assessment (from trainer Jim Ramsay). ... There’s a chance he could play." Starter → Igor Shesterkin

Quinn will confirm if Shesterkin will play at his 5:30 p.m. pregame press Backup → Henrik Lundqvist conference on Saturday, with the 24-year-old's potential return coming Healthy scratch: Alexandar Georgiev sooner than expected. Injured: Chris Kreider (foot) The day after the Feb. 23 accident, team president John Davidson said he would be "reassessed regarding his injury in a couple of weeks." A Game notes mere 13 days later, he's on the verge of playing. How to watch/listen: 7 p.m. ET — TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 1050 Shesterkin had emerged as the Rangers' No. 1 goalie in 10 games AM. played prior to the non-displaced rib fracture, going 9-1 with a 2.23 goals against average and an impressive .940 save percentage. All-time series: 120-93-27-10 (67-32-20-4 at home; 53-61-7-6 on the road) *Note: All-time record includes games against the Kansas City In Shesterkin's absence, the Rangers relied mostly on Alexandar Scouts from 1974-75 – 1975-76 and the Colorado Rockies from 1976-77 Georgiev, who went 3-2 with a 3.40 GAA and a .911 SV% in the five – 1981-82 starts. Henrik Lundqvist started only once, saving 26 of 31 shots faced in a 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. Previous meetings: This will be the final of four meetings between the Hudson River rivals this season. The Rangers have gone 2-1 so far, with "Before (Shesterkin) got hurt, when you have all these guys together, you Tony DeAngelo netting a hat trick and five points in the most recent just let the play dictate who is the goalie that you're going to use," Quinn meeting — a 6-3 win at MSG on Jan. 9. said. "I thought he kind of separated himself a little bit after about a four- week stretch where we had these guys all here — and his numbers Mika magic: Mika Zibanejad registered five goals, including the game- prove it. The one thing about goaltending, there isn't a lot of subjectivity winning goal in overtime, on Mar. 5 vs. Washington. He tied the Rangers' to it. Like I continue to say, we have faith and all these guys. But who's single-game franchise record for goals in the contest, becoming only the playing the best?" third player to record five goals in a game (Don Murdoch - Oct. 12, 1976 at Minnesota North Stars; Mark Pavelich - Feb. 23, 1983 vs. Hartford). The only other expected lineup change is rookie Kaapo Kakko moving Zibanejad also became the second player in NHL history to record five down to the fourth line. goals and the game-winning goal in overtime in the same contest (Sergei Fedorov on Dec. 26, 1996). He picked up his first assist in eight games during Thursday's 6-5 win over the Washington Capitals, but his defensive game remains an issue. Second-half surge: Since Jan. 7, the Blueshirts rank fourth in the NHL in wins (17), are tied for third in regulation wins (14), are tied for fourth in "I like a lot more of what he’s done in the offensive zone; it's just the points (34) and rank third in goals per game (3.46). defensive end that we've got to keep harping on," Quinn said. "He makes a heck of a play on the (fourth) goal (from Mika Zibanejad) and takes a Game notes provided by New York Rangers public relations coordinator shot, but unfortunately he was minus-three. There’s a balancing act right Michael Rappaport. now. We want to make the playoffs. I know he's an important piece here right now, and he’s an important piece moving forward, for sure. Maybe Bergen Record LOADED: 03.08.2020 he’ll start on that line tomorrow, and he might end up on the second or first line or third line. It all depends on where the game is going."

Kakko will play alongside Brendan Lemieux and Greg McKegg, with Julien Gauthier moving up to take his former spot on the third line next to Brett Howden and Filip Chytil.

Gauthier has registered one assist in nine games since being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. His ice time has been limited, maxing out at 11:12 in Sunday's loss to Philly, but the 22-year-old has flashed the speed and playmaking ability that made him an appealing target for the Rangers.

Now Quinn wants to give him a look in a slightly more prominent role.

"He had only played four NHL games before he got here, so we wanted to ease him into a little bit," Quinn said. "But we really like a lot of what we’ve seen so far."

Projected lineup: Mar. 7 vs. NJ Devils 1180222 New York Rangers Zajac added his second goal, an empty-netter with 56 seconds left, to make it 6-3. Tony DeAngelo scored his 15th goal with 43 seconds left.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.08.2020 Igor Shesterkin pulled in his return as Rangers lose to Devils

Colin Stephenson

March 8, 2020 1:09 AM

In case anyone who follows the Rangers had any doubts as to who their No. 1 goaltender is right now, coach David Quinn put them to bed when he announced that Igor Shesterkin would start in net against the Devils at the Garden on Saturday night.

Shesterkin had missed six games after suffering a broken rib in a Feb. 23 car accident in Brooklyn, but he had been skating for a week or so and had practiced fully with the team for the first time on Friday. So Quinn decided to put him back in Saturday.

“He felt really good [Friday] and he felt really good this morning,’’ Quinn said.

But Shesterkin’s feeling good didn’t translate into good things for the Rangers.

The Russian rookie, who entered with a 9-1 record, had his first bad game as an NHL player, allowing five goals on 23 shots in two periods before being pulled in the Rangers’ 6-4 loss to the Devils. He was replaced by Henrik Lundqvist, who stopped all five shots he saw.

“I felt good, but I wasn’t able to help the team, so I’m not feeling good about that,’’ Shesterkin said through an interpreter in the Rangers’ postgame news conference.

Shesterkin wasn’t the only Ranger to have an off night, according to Quinn. He conceded that Shesterkin looked rusty, but he said he knew he’d have to allow for that whenever he decided to put him back in the lineup.

“That said, the goaltender was the least of our problems tonight,’’ Quinn said. “I don’t think we had one guy have a good night tonight.’’

With the Islanders losing in overtime to Carolina earlier in the day and the Blue Jackets losing in Edmonton late Saturday night, the Rangers could have pulled within one point of a playoff spot. Instead, they are three points behind the Islanders and the Blue Jackets, who hold the two Eastern Conference wild-card spots. The Blueshirts are a point behind the Hurricanes and tied with the Panthers.

Shesterkin gave up two goals to the Devils’ Kyle Palmieri, the first of which came from a seemingly impossible angle, as Palmieri somehow beat him with a shot from a foot or two above the goal line out on the left wing. That tied the score at 1-1 at 6:22, just 48 seconds after Filip Chytil’s first goal in nine games had given the Rangers an early lead.

Mika Zibanejad, who had five goals in Thursday’s 6-5 win over Washington, scored his 39th goal to put the Rangers ahead 2-1 just 56 seconds after Palmieri’s goal. But the Rangers all said the lead was a mirage, because they hadn’t played well in the opening period.

“Coming into intermission we were leading, but we couldn’t find a way to get back to our game,’’ Zibanejad said. “We made it really easy for ’em and just didn’t have an answer. And we dug ourselves a hole. Going forward, in the playoffs and playoff-type games, we can’t do this. Just a bad performance overall.’’

Palmieri scored again 44 seconds into the second period, the first of four goals in the period for New Jersey.

Former Ranger Freddie Claesson, who had spent all season in the AHL with Carolina’s Charlotte farm team before being traded to the Devils at the deadline in the Sami Vatanen deal, gave the Devils the lead 48 seconds later, beating Shesterkin with a slap shot off the rush at 1:36.

Then, after Adam Fox took the Rangers’ first penalty of the game, Travis Zajac scored on the power play at 16:19. John Hayden’s deflection goal at 16:44 made it 5-2.

The Rangers’ Greg McKegg scored his fifth goal of the season at 13:42 of the third period. 1180223 New York Rangers

David Quinn remains high on Rangers' Kaapo Kakko, Devils' Jack Hughes

Colin Stephenson

March 8, 2020 12:17 AM

Unlike the teams’ first game against each other, when everyone wanted to talk about the Devils’ Jack Hughes (the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft) and the Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko (the No. 2 pick), conversation about the connection between those two has been placed on the back burner.

Both have 21 points (Kakko has eight goals and 13 assists; Hughes has seven goals and 14 assists). Kakko played on the fourth line, having been dropped from the third line after coach David Quinn said his play in the defensive zone had slipped of late.

Nevertheless, Quinn said Kakko and Hughes are doing just fine in their rookie seasons.

“I think they are two 18-year-olds trying to learn their way through the National Hockey League,’’ he said. “People expect these guys to come in here and score 30 goals and be first-team all-Rookie members — it just doesn’t work that way more times than not.

“I mean, you look at the guys that are competing for Rookie of the Year and they’re all 21-, 22-year-olds. The [Connor] McDavids are few and far between; the [Jack] Eichels are few and far between; the [Sidney] Crosbys are few and far between.

“And they’re both going to be fantastic players,’’ Quinn said. “They’re both going to be great players in this league. But being 18 years old and developing and learning in the National Hockey League is not an easy task.’’

Hughes played 13:25 and had a minus-1 rating and two shots on goal. He had a clean breakaway in the first minute of the third period but was foiled by Henrik Lundqvist, who had just entered the game in relief of Igor Shesterkin.

Kakko played 13:41 and also was minus-1. He did not have a shot on goal.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180224 New York Rangers Quinn could have gone all John Tortorella — he even used his timeout in the second period. Tortorella once said “we sucked from head to toe” and that would have been applicable.

Rangers mishandle prosperity, sloppily drop an important game But disappointment was in Quinn’s mind more than anger.

“You want to put forth an effort night in and night out,” Quinn said. “When we lost to St. Louis, we felt bad for our players because there was a legit Rick Carpiniello effort, there was a purpose, and if you lose, you want to feel bad because we played the right way, we had an effort, we played with the right Mar 7, 2020 intentions. I thought there was none of that tonight.

“I don’t know if we were still excited about what happened against NEW YORK — The Prince has no clothes. Washington and Mika’s five goals, and there was such euphoria about the game and the building was rockin’ and all those things. I don’t know Well, the Rangers left him naked. whether we just didn’t get over it. But it’s disappointing.”

In one of those games in which they cannot, can absolutely not, have a Again, an inadequate word. letdown, the Rangers made a complete mess in front of Igor Shesterkin, and in a brawl of a playoff race, were wiped out by the Devils 6-4 at the Thoughts Garden on Saturday. 1. Due to the coronavirus scare, the Rangers closed their locker room — That happened on a night when, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte as many other NHL teams did — after the game and allowed a few Friedman, the Rangers extended the contracts of GM Jeff Gorton and players to speak at a podium in an interview room. assistant GM Chris Drury. 2. “I felt good but I wasn’t able to help the team,” Shesterkin said. Quinn The Rangers, still rebuilding and still a borderline contender for a wild said the rust Shesterkin faced — and Shesterkin admitted as much card in a mediocre conference, have established the trait this season of through an interpreter — was to be expected whenever he returned. Let’s handling adversity well — and mishandling prosperity miserably. please not hang the outcome on rushing him back or any of that 20-20 hindsight. Quinn noted that goaltending was the least of the Rangers’ “I mean, this is what we’ve done all year, right?” Rangers coach David problems. Shesterkin had only his second loss in 11 starts and allowed Quinn asked. “I mean, this is who we’ve been. There really isn’t much to five goals on 23 shots before being pulled to start the third. talk about. They were better than us in every capacity, and want is a very, very important characteristic in this sport. We played a team that 3. Kakko-Meter: Kaapo Kakko had a really rough night in the defensive wanted it much, much more than we did.” zone versus Washington and was going to start Saturday on the fourth line. The demotion is surely temporary. Quinn thought very recently that Quinn noted the Devils have been doing that for a while. They beat St. Kakko had improved defensively, and he surely has taken a step forward Louis the night before and are 6-1-2 in their past nine games with four offensively, but the defensive side slipped the past few games. regulation losses in their last 20. Then came the caveat. Earlier this season, all the Rangers-Devils talk was about Kakko versus “That being said, to really get outplayed as badly as we did tonight in Jack Hughes. every capacity is alarming,” Quinn said. “I think they are two 18-year-olds trying to learn their way through the The word “unacceptable” could be applied after a game like Saturday’s. National Hockey League,” Quinn said. “I know that, right or wrong, the That word would be inadequate with the Rangers on the outside of the expectations are very high for the first and second picks in the draft. playoff race with 14 games left, starting with a difficult three-game trip to People expect these guys to come in here and score 30 goals and be Dallas, Colorado and Arizona looming. first-team all-rookie members and it just doesn’t work that way more times than not. After really going punch-for-punch with the last two Stanley Cup champs — a 2-1 loss to St. Louis and a 6-5 overtime win over Washington — the “I mean, you look at the guys who are competing for rookie of the year Rangers stunk up the joint. There’s no way to sugarcoat such odor. and they’re all 21-, 22-year-olds. You know, the McDavids are few and There was no way for Shesterkin to ride in and save the night 13 days far between, the Eichels are few and far between, the Crosbys are few after breaking a rib in an auto accident in Brooklyn. Mika Zibanejad was and far between. And they’re both going to be fantastic players. They’re not flying in with a mask and cape to outscore the opponent. There was both going to be great players in this league. Being 18 years old and no magic from Artemi Panarin. Nothing, nada, from anybody. developing and learning in the National Hockey League is not an easy task.” No help on the out-of-town scoreboard, either. Quinn caught himself. “He’s 19 now. A 19-year-old. I can’t believe he “We couldn’t find a way to get back to our game,” Zibanejad said. “I hasn’t grown up yet.” thought it was too sloppy. We made it real easy for them. We just didn’t have an answer. … With the playoff-type of games we have in front of us, 4. Two long shifts in the Rangers’ end (Panarin with two giveaways, we can’t do that. If we want to play in the playoffs and playoff-type of Jacob Trouba with one) started the game. When the Rangers finally got games, we can’t do this. Just a bad performance overall.” out, and with Panarin going for a needed change, Adam Fox sent Julien Gauthier around the back of the net. Gauthier, in Kakko’s spot on that Let’s go back to something on which I’ve been harping for a while. When line, centered for Filip Chytil, who buried it past Mackenzie Blackwood. 1- the Rangers were going 9-1 to climb back into the race, they were far 0. from perfect. They had some lousy periods in games they won during that stretch — Chicago, San Jose, the Islanders, Montreal, etc. Then CHYTIL. they had two bad ones against Philadelphia, really bad, and the “good” loss to St. Louis and the exhilarating win against Washington. But FROM GAUTHIER AND FOX.#THEFUTUREISBRIGHT Saturday’s loss was worse than all of them, and now it’s four losses in PIC.TWITTER.COM/GH6COH3EOB five games, which is really a five-game losing streak if Zibanejad “only” — NEW YORK RANGERS (@NYRANGERS) MARCH 8, 2020 scored four goals Thursday. The race, Quinn said, isn’t over by any means. But it can be over quickly if the Rangers let it be. 5. The kid proved human seconds later. Kyle Palmieri, from a terrible angle, sent a shot toward the left post. Shesterkin was hugging the pipe, “It’s frustrating for sure,” Marc Staal said. “I think, going into this situation, but somehow the puck banked off the padding that covers the goalie’s (14) games left, you understand that teams are going to be tight, they’re skate and squeezed into the net. 1-1. going to be good defensively, it’s going to be hard. It’s going to be a lot harder to win. Maybe we get away with that early on in the year, where 6. No matter. Zibanejad to the rescue. He played give and go with Fox we score four or five. But this time of year, it’s only going to get harder and slapped the return pass from the slot past Blackwood as PK Subban and we just have to understand it. Playing well as a team together, looked on. It was Zibanejad’s 39th goal in his 55th game, drawing a supporting each other, all of those things that good teams do down the chant of “Mika, Mika.” 2-1. At that point, Zibanejad had scored nine of the stretch to win hockey games, to get in, we’ve got to repeat it over and Rangers’ last 12 goals over four games. At that point, too, it looked like over again if we want to get to where we’re going.” Fox was headed for one of those monster games. Then it went south in a loosens a helmet strap, he is entitled to a stoppage for safety reasons. If hurry. Samsonov did indeed lose a buckle, or if it came loose, and he shook it off to make the officials aware, then he is within his rights. I recall a game CAN'T STOP. in which Lundqvist’s mask was almost sideways and he pleaded for a WON'T EVER STOP. PIC.TWITTER.COM/IYDIURPF9W stoppage and didn’t get one, and after he flipped off his helmet, he actually had to make a save hat-less before he got a whistle. — NEW YORK RANGERS (@NYRANGERS) MARCH 8, 2020 Scoreboard WATCH: Games that matter: Sunday — Carolina at 7. Shesterkin faced a test when Kevin Rooney broke in a step ahead of Pittsburgh, Columbus at Vancouver. Monday — Florida at St. Louis. Fox, who took him down while shooting. Play on! Shesterkin stopped the Tuesday — Tampa Bay at Toronto, Nashville at Montreal, Pittsburgh at falling breakaway shot. Ryan Strome then fanned on a goalmouth feed New Jersey, Carolina at Detroit, Islanders at Vancouver. from Jesper Fast. And when Nico Hischier took a delay-of-game penalty, the Rangers went on the power play. Fox blew a tire on an attempted Shayna Goldman’s analysis: keep-in and Rooney had a shorthanded breakaway, which Shesterkin • The Rangers had a slight advantage in shots at even strength (52.5 might have nicked before it hit the right post. So it was 2-1 after one percent), but in terms of quality, the Devils generated 61.3 percent of the haphazard period. expected goal share.

8. “We didn’t feel good at all after that first period,” Quinn said. “It was • At even strength, the ice was tilted in New Jersey’s favor the most with nice to be up. Don’t get me wrong. But we didn’t feel good at all about the Chytil (minus-11 shot attempt differential) and Zibanejad deployed way things were going in the first period.” (minus-1.15 xG differential).

Said Staal: “We just weren’t playing well. We were getting beat to pucks. • The Devils created 28 unblocked shots in all situations, equating to a We were playing way too loose. … I think we got one early and we got a collective expected goals for of 2.37. Shesterkin stopped 18 of 23 shots little too confident, thinking it was going to be an easy night. It snowballed that reached the net and allowed 2.63 goals above expectations. In the and it was quick.” third period, Lundqvist stopped all five shots he faced, preventing .93 9. The sloppiness continued in the first minute of the second, and goals above expected. Zibanejad — after breaking up one play in front — momentarily lost his • McKegg led the Rangers in game score at 2.85. Rounding out their top man, Palmieri, who banged in a loose puck 44 seconds in. 2-2. five were Gauthier (1.08), Smith (1.01), Pavel Buchnevich (.88), and 10. Seconds later, more awful defensive play off an offensive-zone Lundqvist (.59). turnover by Gauthier. Ex-Rangers defenseman Fredrik Claesson skated — Data via NaturalStatTrick.com, Evolving-Hockey.com and down the middle of the ice and was ignored by Trouba, who took the HockeyStatCards.com. wrong man, and Chytil, who was late getting back. Claesson fired from the high slot past Shesterkin at 1:36. 3-2. It was Claesson’s first of the My Three Rangers Stars: season. A furious Quinn used his timeout right then and there. Greg McKegg. 11. It didn’t get better. Shesterkin stopped a breakaway by Miles Wood that would have been a three-on-one or worse if Fox hadn’t taken a Brendan Lemieux. tripping penalty in the neutral zone. And on the power play, the Devils Pavel Buchnevich. made them pay. Travis Zajac redirected one from the slot off a pass from Hischier. 4-2. Shesterkin had not allowed more than three goals in any of The Athletic LOADED: = his first 10 starts.

12. Twenty-five seconds later, a turnover up the wall by Ryan Lindgren led to a shot from the point by Damon Severson that hit Hayden, who was behind Fox, and went in. 5-2. 13. Henrik Lundqvist relieved Shesterkin to start the third and received a loud ovation when introduced, followed by a chant of “Henrik, Henrik” and then, of course, a breakaway by Hughes, in behind Trouba and Brendan Smith. Lundqvist made a glove save to more chants. Late in the third, Smith sent a left-point shot through traffic and Greg McKegg deflected it in. 5-3.

14. Zajac turned a terrible cough-up by Fox into an empty-net goal before Tony DeAngelo banked one in off a defenseman in the final 43 seconds. 6-4.

15. Quinn Bin: With Shesterkin back, the Rangers still have just one extra player and it’s a goalie. We might have to retire this category soon.

The Rangers are not sure about using one of their two remaining recalls before the upcoming three-game trip, which might be risky given they have 18 healthy skaters and Hartford will be playing all its games in the Northeast during the trip. Frankly, it’s only an issue if somebody gets hurt in Dallas on Tuesday and has to get to Denver as soon as possible for a game Wednesday without practice. The Rangers go to Dallas healthy, as far as we know, and if there’s an injury in Denver, they’ll have two days off to get a player to Arizona. Then it would be an emergency recall, too, not a regular recall.

16. I just want to take a step back to Thursday, if I may, because a lot got lost in Zibanejad’s five-goal game. For one, Alexandar Georgiev beat Ilya Samsonov, even if it wasn’t pretty. In 2016, Georgiev, having played in Finland, was invited to play for Russia in the World Juniors as a kind of third-stringer behind Samsonov, who had been a first-round pick by the Caps. Georgiev outplayed him and took Russia to the silver medal after a loss to the loaded host team, Finland.

The other thing is, I joke a lot about Braden Holtby flinging off his mask when he needs a stoppage because, well, he does. And Samsonov did it Thursday. But in all seriousness, if a goalie takes a shot that breaks or 1180225 Ottawa Senators

Senators game goes on, but novel coronavirus hitting San Jose tourism industry hard

The Ottawa Senators' game in San Jose against the Sharks on Saturday was played, but people are staying away from other events in the city due to novel coronavirus concerns.

KEN WARREN

March 7, 2020

SAN JOSE — For now, the games are still going on in California, including the Ottawa Senators’ contest here Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, but the novel coronavirus is having a severe impact on hotels, restaurants and all facets of the Silicon Valley city’s tourism industry.

“There have been a lot of group cancellations for city-wide events,” said Tony Andrade, assistant general manager of the AC Marriott Hotel, a 10- minute walk away from the SAP Center, which is home to the Sharks, concerts and other major entertainment acts.

Public health officials have advised the general population to avoid large gatherings as concerns about the coronavirus continue. Major corporations are opting not to send their employees on business trips.

The AC Marriott, for example, was originally booked at 98 per cent capacity for the weekend. As of late Saturday morning, the hotel was 60 per cent full. Andrade estimates the hotel will lose $120,000 in bookings for Saturday and Sunday. So far during March, typically one of the busiest months for the California hotel industry, the hotel has lost $500,000 in revenue.

“San Jose has been one of the most affected cities,” Andrade said.

“We’re getting cancellations left and right. The whole city is quiet. We’re in Silicon Valley here, but people are being told not to travel. There was a Facebook city-wide event, a Blackberry (conference) that have been cancelled. People are being told to protect themselves and people are scared of what’s going on because there’s no vaccine to treat it.

“You see it on the streets. People are staying home, they’re not driving or going out now. There are fewer people in the malls and shopping centres.”

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is booked at the SAP Center for five days next week, but he hasn’t been able to convince large groups to cancel their trips to the city.

Earlier in the week, Santa Clara County emergency operations centre director James Williams advised hockey fans against going to the SAP Center.

“It’s not just a question of Sharks games,” Williams told the San Jose Mercury News. “There are many organizations that host large gatherings. We have an obligation to make this apply to everyone. The bottom line here is people aren’t in spaces where they’re among many, many other people without being able to keep a distance from others.”

Despite the warnings, the Sharks went ahead with Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild, which drew a season-low crowd of 14,500. The Sharks are also playing host to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

The Sharks have advised fans to listen closely to the health department’s suggestion that “persons at higher risk avoid mass gatherings such as parades, sporting events and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.”

The Sharks also announced that elaborate cleaning procedures are in effect.

“Particular attention is paid to high-traffic, high-public content areas and many areas are receiving additional enhanced cleaning measures during events,” according to a Sharks statement.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180226 Ottawa Senators Smith also says the arrival of Christian Wolanin in his first game of the season provided a bonus in helping move the puck out of the Senators end quicker. Wolanin played 15:55.

Former Shark Tierney gives Senators overtime victory It wasn’t exactly a Basement Bowl game, given that the Senators were ranked 29th and the Sharks 28th in the overall standings.

It was, however, a Draft Bowl of sorts. The worst possible result for the Ken Warren Senators was a game that went to extra time, because both teams would pick up at least one point. After Saturday’s game, the Senators have 62 March 8, 2020 12:12 AM EST points with 13 games remaining. The Sharks have 63 points with 14 games on the schedule.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Erik Karlsson was checking this one out from the It has been a season to forget for the Sharks. They’re overloaded with seats while wearing a checkered business suit, his banged-up left thumb veterans and with both Karlsson and Brent Burns on hefty long-term encased in a cast. contracts, there’s limited wiggle room to make major changes.

Just the same, Karlsson’s fingerprints — or at least the repercussions of Sharks fan favourite Patrick Marleau received another shot at a playoff the trade that sent the former Ottawa Senators captain to the San Jose run by being dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline, but Sharks — were all over Saturday’s clash here at the SAP Center. 40-year-old Joe Thornton was disappointed at not being moved to a contender. The Senators ended up with a 2-1 overtime victory, when Chris Tierney — yes, he, too was part of the Karlsson trade — finished off an Anthony Like the Senators, the remainder of the season is about playing for pride. Duclair pass on a two-on-one break. Last week, the Sharks delivered big blows to both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs, who are clinging to playoff spots. “Whenever you’re playing your old team, I think you have a little more juice in your legs,” said Tierney, who had four shots on goal and also The Senators also came to California after their Thursday win over the missed on a second period penalty shot. New York Islanders, who are in a similar spot near the playoff cutoff line.

“After that penalty shot, it felt nice to get that one. I have a lot of good Anderson was solid against the Islanders and with Marcus Hogberg still memories here. I had a really good bond with the fans and the team over in Sweden attending to a personal issue, Anderson made his third there (in the Sharks dressing room). This will always be a special place in consecutive start. my heart, but it’s nice to beat these guys, too.” He was sharp early again against the Sharks, keeping the game The game had no playoff implications whatsoever, but it didn’t lack for scoreless in the opening moments. Eight minutes into the game, he had entertainment, including the Tierney penalty shot, a disallowed goal, already stopped 12 shots, allowing the Senators skaters to find their legs. posts and more posts, and outstanding goaltending from the Senators’ Paul then opened the scoring, finishing off a pretty passing play that also Craig Anderson and the Sharks’ Aaron Dell. involved Duclair and Jayce Hawryluk. A waivers pick up from the Florida Anderson stopped 31 of 32 shots. Dell, who stoned Thomas Chabot with Panthers, Hawryluk has one goal and five assists in his past seven four seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to extra time, games. finished with 36 stops. The Senators couldn’t, however, escape the first period with the lead. From a big-picture point of view, it was a far more significant game for With only 11 seconds remaining and the Sharks on a power play, Kane the Senators. fought off a Nikita Zaitsev check and put a chest-high rebound into the For fans unfamiliar with the NHL entry-draft implications, the Senators net to tie the game 1-1. own the Sharks first-round pick as part of the 2018 Karlsson swap that While much of the second period was about Anderson’s ability to keep has already landed Ottawa Tierney, Rudolfs Balcers and top American the Sharks from scoring a second goal, there was plenty of entertainment Hockey League prospect Josh Norris. in the final moments of the period. Accordingly, the worse that both the Senators and Sharks finish, the Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 better the odds are for the Senators to land two high-end selections, including better odds of winning the draft lottery and the first overall choice with those two choices.

With all that serving as the backdrop, Nick Paul and Evander Kane exchanged first period goals. After a scoreless first period and a wild close to the second period, the clubs headed into the final period deadlocked 1-1.

The final three minutes of the second featured crazy action. In that span — take a breath here — the Senators hit the post twice, Anderson stopped Timo Meier on a breakaway, Aaron Dell stopped Scott Sabourin on a breakaway, Radim Simek had a goal disallowed for kicking the puck into the net and the Senators were awarded a penalty shot when Simek put his hand over the puck in the Sharks crease. That last one came with only 1.4 seconds remaining.

Ultimately, Tierney took the penalty shot, but lost control of the puck while trying to deke Dell.

“It was pretty wide open,” said Senators coach D.J. Smith. “A lot of chances. Both teams were really good. Our goalie, at the end of the day, happened to be a little bit better than their goalie and we win.”

Smith says it was fitting that Tierney ended up putting the finishing touches on the victory.

“The guys were pulling for him, they wanted him to take the (penalty) shot and he didn’t score,” he said. “One of things (in the third period), is we just ended up rolling four lines for the game and our guys were fresher.” 1180227 Ottawa Senators “This is the dream, this is where the dream will always be, this is where I want to make a career,” he said. “But we’re going at a great pace down there and I’ve never talked anything but positives about coach (Troy) Mann. WARREN'S PIECE: Senators' Wolanin returns and coronavirus concerns MEDIA MATTERS

Some day-to-day jobs in the hockey media changed a little bit Saturday March 8, 2020 12:12 AM EST when the NHL gave teams the option of keeping reporters out of the dressing room amid the growing fear of the spread of the coronavirus.

When the information first came out, it was believed to be a blanket SAN JOSE — The goal for Christian Wolanin was to make a seamless policy across the NHL. However, when NHL commissioner spoke in return against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, to not look like the way Montreal Saturday, he said each team had the option of keeping the he was feeling before the puck dropped. media out of rooms or sticking with the existing mandate. Is it an overreaction? Probably. But given the crisis and panic – if you don’t “I will try not to play like it, but there are nerves, there is excitement, believe it’s either one of those, you haven’t seen the empty streets in there’s anxiety,” the colorful Senators defenceman said of playing his first northern California – the NHL is simply heeding the advice of a medical NHL game since last April. community that is throwing out louder and louder alarm bells. Personally speaking, the bigger difference is when it comes to the potential Mission accomplished. Wolanin looked sharp while playing 15:55, playing elimination of the one-on-one dressing conversations. This is when primarily alongside Andreas Englund, earning the praises of coach D.J. reporters have the time and space to work on different angles and Smith afterwards. features that are not necessarily specific to the game that was just played It had been a seven month wait since suffering a torn labrum on the eve or the next one. It also should be pointed out that some players are of training camp in September. Wolanin spent the first six months simply more comfortable talking in those small settings rather than in rehabilitating and made his return to game action with the American front of larger crowds. Hockey League’s Belleville Senators in February, registering one goal in HITTING CLOSE TO HOME nine games. Sharks winger Dylan Gambrell is from Bonney Lake, Washington, a 40- The Senators made room for Wolanin by sending Christian Jaros back to minute drive from Seattle. Seattle has had 31 confirmed coronavirus Belleville. cases. Nine deaths have been reported. “Same thing here with the things “I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he said. “I got a call after the (New York) going in Santa Clara,” Gambrell told the San Jose Mercury News. “Just Islanders game. I was just preparing for a game (Friday) against watch out for it.” Rochester, but I’m super excited to just rejoin the guys and make the A LITTLE MORE FROM THE CEO FIRING comeback full circle, I guess.” After Senators owner Eugene Melnyk fired CEO Jim Little earlier in the Before training camp, Wolanin had been pencilled in to start the season week, there has been no official word from the organization on the status with the Senators, but his injury opened the door for rookie Erik of P.J. Loyello, the club’s senior vice president of communications and Brannstrom to start in Ottawa instead. community relations. While Little was in the CEO job for only 57 days, DIFFICULT START Loyello was brought in to work under Little in late January. Loyello effectively replaced Carrie Croft. Croft, formerly the Senators senior The always candid Wolanin was honest in his assessment of his play director of communications, was hired by former chief operating officer with Belleville, talking about how difficult it is to jump on to the moving Nic Ruzskowski in May. train of a season that is three-quarters over. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 “Oh, yeah, it was super hard,” he said. “It wasn’t a lack of preparation, it wasn’t a lack of anything except for the fact that’s really hard to come back. It’s a different league down there, so for the first five games, I would say, I was swimming a little bit our there. I was a little lost in certain areas.

“But then I started to feel a little more comfortable and got more reps and experience. I would say my last game before the call-up was probably my most normal from how I remembered that I used to play.”

POWER PLAY ON THE HORIZON?

While Wolanin will be eased into bigger and bigger responsibilities, Smith says the plan is for him to eventually be part of the power play.

“Certainly, we have to take into consideration that he has been out for a long time and hasn’t played an NHL game for a long time,” said Smith. “We’ve got to be patient, but we hope he can catch a groove before the end of the year.”

It’s only one game, but Smith says the presence of Wolanin made a huge difference against the Sharks.

“I really thought Wolanin gave us a game back there,” he said following the 2-1 overtime win. “He moved pucks, really made a difference. We now have a really good puck mover on each defensive pair (along with Thomas Chabot and Mike Reilly) our forwards got the puck clean.”

The return of Wolanin should take some pressure off Thomas Chabot, who had been taking on additional minutes due to the club’s depth on defence for much of the season, at times topping the 30-minute mark. Jaros played only 7:21 against the Islanders and averaged only 10:31 with the Senators. On Saturday, Chabot played a more comfortable 23:29.

While Wolanin wants to be here as long as possible, he also realizes that part of the plan is to finish the year helping out Belleville in the quest for a Calder Cup title. 1180228 Ottawa Senators lawyer Matthew Sammon on Little’s behalf, when Little was asked by the Post of the allegations by his former wife and by the Senators.

Sammon said Little stood by his version of why he was fired, suggesting Ottawa Senators say CEO’s firing tied to ex-wife’s allegations he will sue the team, saying: “Given the circumstances of our client’s dismissal, these matters will now be addressed through the courts.”

Little’s lawyer also said the allegations published by his former wife “are Adrian Humphreys not attributed to any specific source” and “are defamatory,” Sammon said in a written response to the Post’s questions. March 7, 2020 7:49 PM EST “They appear to have been advanced as part of an effort to deliberately

injure Mr. Little’s reputation,” he said. He encouraged the Post not to The surprise firing of Ottawa Senators chief executive officer Jim Little report on them. followed an investigation by the NHL franchise that uncovered several “Given that litigation is imminent, Mr. Little will not be making further allegations of harsh or abusive behaviour, including public claims of public statements regarding these matters at this time,” Sammon said. domestic abuse from his former wife, the team said. The Senators remained similarly steadfast: “The Senators stand by the Little, through his lawyer, disputed this. dismissal and will vigorously defend its circumstances in court, as Little’s dismissal on Wednesday came less than two months after he was needed,” Gagnier said. hired and as he was cementing his role as the public face of the Smith declined to discuss the contents of her articles or her marriage to struggling hockey team. Little when contacted by Postmedia. In a statement Wednesday about his dismissal, Little, 55, said he was A successful entrepreneur, Smith does not name Little in her various fired because of his intemperate language in a heated discussion with published accounts and in a video on YouTube. She does reference the team owner Eugene Melnyk on Feb. 14. specific timing of her relationship, however, and it coincides with her While Little contends he was essentially fired for angrily swearing at marriage to Little. Melynk — which generated frustrated amusement among many Senators She describes leaving the relationship and the couple’s home in a “brave fans who often blame Melnyk for the team’s rocky performance — the moment.” Senators said it was not such a shallow decision. Little filed for a divorce on May 25, 2018 After the argument and during an investigation into Little’s behaviour, the team discovered that Little’s former spouse published online accounts Smith and Little were married in Calgary on July 4, 2015, and were no alleging abusive behaviour during her marriage, Postmedia has learned. longer living together by Oct. 1, 2017, according to divorce records filed in court. “While there were signs of insecurity and controlling tendencies early in our relationship, I told myself the good far outweighed the bad,” Lara Both had been previously married and divorced. Smith wrote in an article published Aug. 28, 2019. Little filed for a divorce on May 25, 2018. It was uncontested by Smith “As the weeks and months unfolded, I was the victim of extreme control, and it was granted Nov. 29, 2018. No allegations against either party are psychological and at times, physical abuse. Going to yoga class and the documented in the divorce filing and neither claimed spousal support grocery store were cause for outbursts of rage,” reads part of an article from the other. written to encourage and support other women who are facing difficult relationships. Little left his job at Shaw Communications, a Calgary-based telecommunications company, where he was executive vice president “To the world, he was a charming, successful, accomplished business and chief marketing and culture officer, the same month as the divorce tycoon with a celebrated career and a network of the most impressive filing in May 2018. friends. Privately he had a very dark side that became my daily nightmare once we began living together,” it says. After Little and Melnyk’s argument, the Senators warned Little he was under investigation, according to a letter he was given by the Senators’ Jim Little says he was dismissed as CEO of Ottawa Senators after board of directors, dated Feb. 18, two weeks before he was fired. 'heated argument' The letter, read by Postmedia, says it was hand delivered to Little after a The article was published a second time on her own website shortly meeting of the Senators’ board that same day, at which Little was called before Little was publicly named as the new CEO of the Senators. in to discuss “a very serious incident” — namely the profanity-laden argument. Smith’s allegations have not been proven. “On the morning of Feb. 14, 2020, you had a telephone discussion with Privately he had a very dark side that became my daily nightmare once Mr. Eugene Melnyk (“Mr. Melnyk”) which you yourself have since we began living together described as ‘very heated and acrimonious,’” the letter says. A team spokesman said there was a direct link between the Valentine’s “We have been advised by Mr. Melnyk that, during the telephone call in Day argument with Melnyk, an investigation into Little it sparked, Smith’s question you raised your voice to the point of yelling at Mr. Melnyk for allegations and his dismissal. much of the call, made numerous comments of a very insulting and “The Ottawa Senators can confirm knowledge of the blog post, which derogatory nature and repeatedly used profanity throughout the call.” was discovered following Mr. Little’s Feb. 14 outburst and as a result of Little was warned that the Senators, referred to by its ownership an ensuing investigation into his behaviour, leading up to his dismissal. It company, Capital Sports & Entertainment Inc., “is currently in the process was one of the issues that gave the organization grave concern,” said of further investigating this very serious matter.” Dan Gagnier, spokesman for the Ottawa Senators in a statement to Postmedia when asked about Smith’s articles. The letter says the behaviour, as described, would be in breach of company policy, “including but not limited to, the Company’s Code of “The pattern of behaviour by Mr. Little within the organization, which Conduct, and appear to be an act of insubordination.” violated the team’s code of conduct and the policies of the NHL, coupled with the detailed allegations contained within an online posting While the investigation was underway, the letter reminded him of his discovered subsequently, was extremely concerning given his conduct “Non-Disparagement provision” in his executive employment agreement. within the company’s head office,” Gagnier said. The Senators’ letter says the argument triggered the investigation. Little, through legal counsel, denied that. The team’s official statement when announcing the dismissal said Little “The suggestion that the Senators terminated Mr. Little’s employment was fired because his conduct was “inconsistent” with the core values of because of the allegations you describe below is untrue,” said Toronto the NHL and the Senators hockey organization. The Senators had been in close contact with the NHL regarding Little’s dismissal because it was seen as being linked to the league’s recent policy changes, a source familiar with the situation from the Senators’ perspective said.

After a string of allegations last year of abusive behaviour by coaching staff of various teams, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced strict new policies against all forms of abusive behaviour within the NHL on Dec. 9.

“Our message is unequivocal: we will not tolerate abusive behaviour of any kind,” Bettman said in December after an NHL Board of Governors meeting detailing policy changes.

All NHL teams were instructed to immediately notify Bettman or his deputy commissioner if they became aware of an on-ice or off-ice incident of abusive conduct involving NHL personnel.

When reporters asked Bettman Wednesday about Little’s departure, he said it wasn’t for the type of inappropriate conduct that prompted the league into unveiling policies to combat abuse.

“It has to do more with internal operations,” Bettman said Wednesday.

The Feb. 18 letter to Little from the Senators’ board said he was to carry on with his regular duties while he was under investigation, except for one: no more media interviews as the face of the Senators.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180229 Philadelphia Flyers conference-leading Bruins. They will play at the Lightning two nights later. They could use the rest.

“Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s easy,” Voracek said. “Today, it was Carter Hart leads the way as Flyers beat Sabres, 3-1, for ninth straight hard. We found a way. We’ve got Boston and Tampa coming up. Two of win the best teams. So far, this year, I think we’ve played really good hockey against good teams. So, we’ll see."

Ice cubes Ed Barkowitz, This is the seventh time in franchise history the Flyers have won at least nine in a row. The team record is 13 set by the 1985-86 club. ... The Flyers blocked 18 shots against Buffalo, six more than their season The Flyers pledged that they would not look past the lowly Sabres. average. Phil Myers took a blast off the right leg, and Justin Braun Never mind that they were playing their third game in four nights or that stopped one with his face shield or helmet. Both remained in the game. they’ve spent a ton of energy putting together an extended winning Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020 streak. They were not going to get caught looking ahead, not going to get caught flat-footed.

Alain Vigneault on Flyers’ winning streak: 'Everybody should be excited’

They may have been sloppy Saturday night, but they were also victorious. Again.

Claude Giroux scored two gorgeous goals and Carter Hart continued his dominance at home with 38 saves as the Flyers did enough to beat the Sabres, 3-1, for their ninth win a row.

“Right now, everything we touch is working.”

Just about everything Hart touched, he stopped. The young goalie won his seventh consecutive start, and is 9-1 with a .934 save percentage since coming back from an abdominal strain that cost him three weeks.

“Our goaltender tonight was the best player on the ice,” coach Alain Vigneault said. “Our goaltender had his best stuff and the other 18 guys were OK.”

The Flyers slogged through the first half of the game until Giroux took a pass off his skates and backhanded a shot past Carter Hutton.

It was 1-1 entering the third period when Giroux vowed the Flyers were not going to fall to a Sabres team that had lost five in a row.

“We are not playing good hockey right now," the captain said after the second period. "We aren’t playing our style, we aren’t hard enough on pucks. We’re going to start doing that in the third period here.”

The Flyers didn’t dominate the third period, but they did score the only two goals of the frame.

“This happens on good teams,” said Vigneault, who is 10th all-time in coaching wins with 689. “They find ways to win, and on a lot of nights when they do win, it’s the goaltender that made the difference.”

Voracek set up both of Giroux’s goals, giving him 10 apples in the last five games. His second was a pass that Giroux batted out of the air just inches off the ice.

Hart stopped 15 shots in the third period.

In the second, he took one to the jewels, which understandably left him stunned for a few moments. (“Yeah ... that one didn’t feel very good,” he said afterward.)

Three minutes later, Dominik Kahun turned a Travis Sanheim turnover into the Sabres’ only goal. The other Flyers defenders mostly watched as Hart futilely tried to make a diving stop.

That’s probably what annoyed Giroux, who was on the ice for Kahun’s goal, during the second intermission.

“They’re our leaders on this team,” Vigneault said, referring to Giroux and Voracek. “Our players follow their lead by the way they play.”

The win improved Hart to a remarkable 20-2-2 at home this season, tying Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy and St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington for most home wins this season.

The Flyers killed off four power plays and Joel Farabee added his first goal since being recalled following James van Riemsdyk’s hand injury.

The Flyers were heavy favorites entering the game but did enough to move back into a virtual tie with Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division. They are off until Tuesday, when they will host the 1180230 Philadelphia Flyers Sunday, March 15 vs. Edmonton 1:30 p.m. NBCSP Tuesday, March 17 vs. St. Louis 7 p,m. NBCSN

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020 Quick observations from the Flyers 3-1 win over the Sabres

Erin McCarthy,

Quick observations from the Flyers 3-1 win over the Sabres

If you were expecting the Flyers-Sabres matchup to be a trap game for the surging Flyers, you thought wrong.

The Flyers overcame a sluggish first period to extend their winning streak to nine games and remain in a virtual tie for the Metropolitan Division lead with the Capitals, who beat the Penguins, 5-2, earlier Saturday. The Sabres, meanwhile, have dropped six straight.

Capitals beat Penguins to give Flyers another reason to focus on Buffalo

Here are some other quick hits:

Slow start: The Flyers were outshot, 13-4, in the first period, and failed to convert on back-to-back power plays in the game’s first 10 minutes. Before they had a shot on goal, the Flyers got their first power play on a slashing penalty called on Buffalo defenseman Brandon Montour. Then, just as the power play expired, Sabres defenseman Colin Miller was called for holding. The Flyers couldn’t convert on that power play, either. Going into Saturday, the Flyers’ power play ranked eighth in the league. They had been hitting 36.4% on the power play during the eight-game winning streak.

Giroux’s big night: Veteran forward Claude Giroux put an end to 30 minutes of scoreless hockey when he found the back of the net on a backhand shot midway through the second period. The goal was the captain’s 20th of the season, and it put the Flyers up, 1-0. After the Sabres tied the game later in the second, Giroux was a game changer again, putting the Flyers up, 2-1, with a goal in the third.

HE'S AT IT AGAIN!

Giroux scores his second of the night to break the tie. | @skiJFBB pic.twitter.com/A7RlMghlML

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 8, 2020

Hart stays hot: While the Flyers’ first period was nothing to write home about, goaltender Carter Hart started strong. The 21-year-old had two big saves in the first few minutes, and logged a perfect 13 saves on 13 shots in the first period alone. He was slow to get up after a save in the second period, and shortly afterward allowed the Sabres’ first goal of the evening. Buffalo winger Dominik Kahun tied the game at the end of the second period. With Saturday’s performance, Hart has gone 20-2-2 at home on the season. Since coming back from an abdominal strain last month, he’s been an impressive 8-1.

Farabee puts game away: Joel Farabee capitalized on a mistake by Buffalo goaltender Carter Hutton and scored unassisted toward the end of the third period, putting the nail in the coffin for the Sabres. The 20- year-old was recalled from the Phantoms earlier this week.

Voracek assists: Winger Jake Voracek continued to be an asset to the Flyers, assisting on both of Giroux’s goals.

Myers takes a shot: Flyers defenseman Philippe Myers gave Flyers fans a scare when he limped off the ice after blocking a shot in the third period. He returned to the bench and then the ice shortly after, however.

What’s next?

Well, the two best teams in the conference. The Flyers play Boston at home on Tuesday and Tampa Bay on the road on Thursday. Looking further ahead, the Flyers will next meet the Sabres in their final regular- season game on April 4.

Flyers’ next five

Tuesday vs. Boston 7 p.m. NBCSP

Thursday at Tampa Bay 7 p.m. NBCSP

Saturday, March 14 vs. Minnesota 1 p.m. NBCSP 1180231 Philadelphia Flyers

Capitals beat Penguins to give Flyers another reason to focus on Buffalo

Ed Barkowitz,

Capitals beat Penguins to give Flyers another reason to focus on Buffalo

The Flyers have won eight in a row and will need to make it nine to keep pace with the Washington Capitals.

The Caps lumped up host Pittsburgh, 5-2, on Saturday afternoon to pull two points ahead of the Flyers for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia hosts Buffalo on Saturday night in a contest that has the potential of being overlooked by the heavily favored Flyers.

“We talked to our group this morning that there are no easy games in this league,” coach Alain Vigneault said Saturday morning. “We need to be focused. We need to be prepared.”

The Sabres have lost five in a row and star captain Jack Eichel is in a six-game scoring slump, the longest of his five-year career. The Flyers pounded the Sabres, 6-1, in December when Buffalo was without Eichel.

Carter Hart will start in net for the Flyers. He’ll be opposed by Buffalo’s Carter Hutton. Hart is 19-2-2 at home and his only regulation loss at home in the last four months was 1-0 to Tampa Bay, which had won 10 in a row at that point.

After Saturday, the Flyers have the conference’s two best teams on the horizon. Boston is here on Tuesday. Philadelphia will play at Tampa on Thursday.

Scott Laughton, who has played for five coaches in his eight seasons with the Flyers, said there would be no looking past Buffalo.

“Our team has done a good job of not getting too high or too low,” said Laughton, who has nine points in the last six games. “That’s one of the strengths we’ve [developed] this year instead of past years, where it’s affected us more. We’re a pretty even-keeled team."

The Flyers are the only one of the NHL’s 31 teams that has not lost consecutive games since early January. They are looking for their first division title since 2011.

“We had a good morning skate, the guys had a day off yesterday,” Vigneault said. “They should have a lot of energy tonight. We should be good.”

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180232 Philadelphia Flyers

Looking for ninth straight win, Flyers’ next test is Buffalo on Saturday

Ed Barkowitz,

Looking for ninth straight win, Flyers’ next test is Buffalo on Saturday

The Flyers haven’t played many teams who are NOT in the playoff hunt lately. They took care of San Jose two weeks ago, but the Devils put a hurtin’ on them last month.

That Devils game was an eye-opener for all the wrong reasons.

Alain Vigneault on Flyers’ winning streak: 'Everybody should be excited’

The Flyers will go for their ninth win in a row when Buffalo visits the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday (7 p.m., NBCSP). The Sabres have lost five in a row, their star can’t find the scoresheet without a GPS and that trade for Wayne Simmonds at the deadline looks like a flop.

» Mike Sielski: Flyers’ depth is wearing out opponents

The Flyers have a +20 scoring margin in the last eight games. The Sabres have a -21 for the season.

When the Flyers faced the seemingly wounded Devils on Feb. 6, they were rolled, 5-0. They’ve said they didn’t play that poorly, but 5-nothing is 5-nothing.

No lineup changes for the Flyers tonight against Buffalo in the Carter Bowl: Hart vs. Hutton in net. Hart leads, 1-0.

— ed barkowitz (@edbarkowitz) March 7, 2020

Since then, the Flyers have won 10 of 12.

“This team has done a great job of responding when we give up a goal or give up two,” fourth-year defenseman Ivan Provorov said after the Flyers beat Carolina on Thursday. “This year, out of all the years I’ve been here, this is the best we’ve been at pushing back and not getting back on our heels. [It’s] mental toughness and knowing that we have a good team and that no matter what happens we’ll be OK."

The surge has helped the Flyers into a virtual tie for the Metropolitan Division lead with Washington. (The Caps hold the second tiebreaker because of an extra overtime win.) Pittsburgh is three points behind and coming fast. This will be the Flyers third game in four nights.

The Sabres had won six of eight ahead of the trade deadline and thought they could make a run at the wild card. So they rolled the dice and sent a fifth-round pick to New Jersey for Simmonds. Buffalo hasn’t won a game since, though it’s hardly his fault.

The Sabres have nine goals during their five-game losing streak. Star captain Jack Eichel has not scored a point in a career-worst six games and is -8 during the span.

“It’s fighting up a big hill right now, but more than anything, it’s our offensive production that’s causing us the pain,” Buffalo coach Ralph Krueger said.

The Flyers have scored at least four goals in eight consecutive games. But if that New Jersey game taught them anything, it’s that pain Krueger mentioned is always as close as your next opponent. No matter what their record is.

Ice cubes

The Flyers blasted the Sabres, 6-1, in December at the Wells Fargo Center. Eichel did not play that night. The two teams meet on April 4 in Buffalo, the final night of the regular season, in a game that figures to be slightly more important to the Flyers. ... There will be no need to scoreboard watch on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. The Capitals play at Pittsburgh in the afternoon (1 p.m., NHL Network). ... The Flyers did not commit a penalty on Thursday for the second time this season. Coming into the year, they had only played five such games in team history without a penalty. They’re 4-3 in those games.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180233 Philadelphia Flyers NOTES >> Carter Hart won his seventh straight decision and he now is tied for the league lead for goalies with his 20th home win (20-2-2 at WFC). But he was lucky to survive after taking a shot where no goalie wants a puck to go. "Yeah, right underneath the Cup," Hart said, "that Flyers' Farabee makes his own luck against Sabres one didn’t feel very good." ... Riding a nine-strong streak, the co-leaders of the Metro next face the leaders of the Atlantic, as the Bruins visit Wells

Fargo on Tuesday night. Rob Parent Delaware County Times LOADED: 03.08.2020

PHILADELPHIA — When it comes to injuries, players always feel other players' pain.

When it came to wanting to play, however, Joel Farabee couldn't help but feel a little elated when a tough James van Riemsdyk injury gave him another chance to do that here.

"When Riemer went down and I got the call to come back up here, I was pretty excited," said Farabee, the 20-year-old Flyers rookie. "The boys are playing well right now and I'm just happy to be a part of it."

He not only was part of another happy night at Wells Fargo Center, Farabee finally got on the scoreboard with his first NHL goal since scoring twice against Colorado on Feb. 1.

Rarely did he feel so gifted as he did Saturday night, as the Flyers stretched their winning streak to nine games with a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

The game, dominated for large portions by the Sabres, who nonetheless were finding it tough to break goalie Carter Hart, wasn't iced until Farabee made a good play look lucky.

Buffalo's Rasmus Ristolainen slid the puck in his defensive zone back toward goalie Carter Hutton, who went to pass it back out and succeeded only in half-shoveling it off Farabee's stick. He then knocked the puck down and jammed it between Hutton's feet at 14:49 of the third period to stake the Flyers to the two-goal lead they would hold.

"I didn't think it was ever going to come again," Farabee said of scoring, "but obviously, that one felt good."

According to Claude Giroux, who scored the other two Flyers goals, that Farabee play not only felt good, it looked good, too. Giroux pointed out it wasn't an accident that Hutton didn't manage to outlet the puck past Farabee's stick, as the Flyers rookie charged in quickly to disrupt the Sabres' goalie.

"That goal he scored, that's all hustle," Giroux said of Farabee. "If he doesn't forecheck hard, he doesn't score that goal. People might say it's a lucky goal, but I think he hustled for that goal."

Farabee hustled his way onto this team at a young age, but when Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher managed to hustle up some checking line help by acquiring Nate Thompson and Derek Grant at the Feb. 24 trade deadline, Farabee was quickly hustled off to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

"When Chuck told me, I was pretty bummed," Farabee admitted. "Obviously, you want to play in the NHL; you want to stay here for the playoff push. But I thought it was good. I got a lot of practice time down there and it definitely helped me out.

"Obviously we're in a big playoff push here so whatever the team needs to do to win is what I'm going with. ... And yeah, I kind of knew if someone got injured or something like that, I'd probably be back up, so I wasn't so worried. I had a lot of fun down in the AHL. It's a pretty young team so guys are my age and it was a lot of fun."

Farabee has accorded himself well in his two games back, while playing on a second line with Kevin Hayes and Travis Konecny. Farabee also knows that van Riemsdyk likely won't be back until at least the first round of the playoffs.

So he's going to keep hustling for all he's worth.

"I think my mindset is the same wherever I'm playing," Farabee said., "Like I had the opportunity to play a lot of different roles (with the Phantoms), and play a lot of minutes. ... I thought it was really good for me."

• • • 1180234 Philadelphia Flyers That makes seven straight wins and puts them just one point behind Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division. But the win did come at a price. James van Riemsdyk took a shot off his hand. X-rays showed a fracture and he's expected to miss some time. The Heron's Nest: Schumer not helping with civil discourse; break up the Flyers! You can see this team's confidence growing with each game, under the steady hand of veteran coach Alain Vigneault.

It was Vigneault's call to start veteran goalie Brian Elliott over hot shot Mar 5, 2020 youngster Carter Hart last night. Elliott responded by stopping 25 shots from the Capitals. Staff Writer Hart will be back in the net tonight when the Flyers look to make it eight

in a row against the Hurricanes at the Wells Fargo Center. As loyal readers of The Heron's Nest (yes, both of you) know, I have Delaware County Times LOADED: 03.08.2020 made it my Lenten mission this year to raise the level of our public discourse.

Of course, it did not take long for my critics (yes, the legions of you) to view that as simply one more attack on President Trump.

Many of them point out the endless attacks on the president, and that I look the other way when he is on the receiving end of such coarse discourse.

In general, they view this as a one-way street. They believe I give Democrats a pass when it comes to our decidedly less than civil public discourse.

So this morning I come forward to prove them wrong.

And in the process call Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on the carpet for comments he made yesterday about two Supreme Court justices.

Schumer clearly has a difference of opinion when it comes to the abortion question that is currently before the nation's high court.

Yesterday, in addressing a rally outside the Supreme Court, Schumer used some fiery rhetoric in addressing two conservative justices, both of whom were placed on the court by President Trump.

"I want to tell you Gorsuch. I want to tell you Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions," Schumer said, turning to look at the Supreme Court building.

Those words come very close to constituting a threat.

No, I don't think that's what Schumer meant. Schumer later clarified his stance to indicate he was referring to a price that would be paid by Republicans senators in the November election. But words carry with them immense power. No one knows that more than I do. And fiery words such as those used by Schumer can inflame an already jittery public.

In short, they're not helping when it comes to a civil discussion.

They did not escape the notice of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

In a rare move for the court, Roberts offered a public rebuke to Schumer for his comments.

"This morning, Senator Schumer spoke at a rally in front of the Supreme Court while a case was being argued inside," Roberts said in a statement. "Senator Schumer referred to two Members of the Court by name and said he wanted to tell them that 'You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You will not know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.' Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous. All Members of the Court will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter."

Agreed.

Break up the Flyers!

Break up the Flyers!

All of a sudden, the Orange & Black are hotter than Joe Biden.

Last night the red-hot Flyers continued their quest as the best team in town right now with a convincing 5-2 win on the road over the Caps. 1180235 Philadelphia Flyers everything we do. You’ll know as soon as we know, just like you know right now."

Yeah, that sounds about right. Flyers still welcoming media and fans ... for now Delaware County Times LOADED: 03.08.2020

Rob Parent

PHILADELPHIA — COVID-19's nasty reach may soon be felt in the Flyers' locker room at Wells Fargo Center and perhaps their Skate Zone complex in Voorhees, N.J., as well.

At least that was the implication Saturday, after news leaked that the NHL was about to move to bar media and maybe even those legions of hanger-ons always in there without credentials for no apparent reason.

Anyway, when said news leaked Saturday, the league moved fast to squash the report, and the Flyers not-so-quickly spread the word that the report was premature.

At least too premature for Saturday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres, after which the media and hanger-ons were again welcome to respectively ask questions and get in everybody's way.

In lieu of a comment by Flyers general manager and president Chuck Fletcher and/or team CEO Dave Scott, a statement was issued only under "Wells Fargo Center."

So, the building said, "We are monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the CDC, local public health officials, our league partners and live event promoters. The safety and well-being of our guests, athletes, staff and partners is paramount and we have strengthened our rigorous sanitation processes and procedures throughout the arena. We will continue to collaborate with our medical and safety teams and act accordingly as this situation develops."

The only thing developing lately is coronavirus itself. Its daily toll well- reported in the Fake News Media, it's almost everywhere, and where it isn't it soon will be.

Hence, expect actions like keeping people out of athletes' locker rooms to take place soon at any or many institutions, including events for the four major sports and collegiate events, too. Already, there has been Division III basketball played without fans.

Sports leagues in Europe have started the drive toward athletic events going it alone, and over here, the NBA took that cue Friday, the league circulating a memo to its teams telling them to prepare for the possibility of future games being played without the media's involvement (yay!) or maybe even without fans.

To NBA King LeBron James, that might not be acceptable.

"We play games without the fans? Nah, that’s impossible,” James said after he led the Lakers to a 113-103 win over Milwaukee Friday night. "I ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates, and I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. So if I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”

Elsewhere, Major League Baseball has decreed a limit on player autographs during spring training due to virus concerns. And as for the NHL, maybe the outcry is only just beginning. League commissioner Gary Bettman, at a previously scheduled press gathering in Florida Saturday, indicated that for now the league would allow its individual teams to decide if media could enter locker rooms. Even before he said that, reports in New York had it that the Islanders would indeed be soon barring the media.

But Islanders president Lou Lamoiello seemed a bit vague on the issue during his team's game with the Carolina Hurricanes.

“We cannot control the amount of press that go in the room, who have credentials, who come from everywhere,” Lamoriello said in a New York Post report from Nassau Coliseum. "So we’re going to pro-act to that, and it is my understanding that Carolina will pro-act to that.

"Right now," he added, "you’re as updated as I am what the league has done, has given us many materials that are available, as far as what to do to prevent it, and what we have to do in our locker rooms and around 1180236 Philadelphia Flyers — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 8, 2020 • Hart was excellent on two third-period penalty kills. The Flyers forced

themselves to play shorthanded three times in the frame. Flyers win 9th straight, fortunate to keep pace in Metropolitan Division On the first PK, Philippe Myers blocked a big shot and hobbled off the thanks to Carter Hart, Claude Giroux ice. After going up the tunnel toward the dressing room, he came right back to the bench.

Jordan Hall Myers also committed a penalty in the period but the blocked shot was vital. March 07, 2020 9:31 PM • Giroux ignited the scoring with a second-period goal midway through the game, giving him his eighth season of 20 or more goals.

Claude Giroux pumped both of his fists on multiple occasions. The 32-year-old showed off his still-got-it athleticism and skill with the Flyers in much need of an offensive spark. Carter Hart made save after save from start to finish. THE CAPTAIN GETTING IT DONE! pic.twitter.com/nUAcWC92W3 Those two were the reasons behind the Flyers’ 3-1 win Saturday night over the Sabres at the Wells Fargo Center. — NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 8, 2020

Joel Farabee scored an effort goal to seal the win during the third period Buffalo drew even later in the frame as it dissected slow coverage by the after Giroux gave the Flyers another lead prior to the 20-year-old’s Flyers. insurance tally. • Wayne Simmonds was back in the house with the Sabres, who The victory wasn’t aesthetically pleasing but the Flyers (41-20-7) found a acquired the former Flyer from the Devils ahead of the Feb. 24 trade way to win their ninth straight game, marking the club’s longest winning deadline. streak since Nov. 27-Dec. 14, 2016, when it won 10 in a row. The 31-year-old power forward can become an unrestricted free agent in Win streak aside, this was an important one given the Capitals smacked the offseason. the Penguins, 5-2, earlier in the day. The Flyers remain a tiebreaker out of first place in the Metropolitan Division behind Washington and .@GrittyNHL, wearing a “Free Shrugs” sign, finally gets the attention of ballooned their edge on third-place Pittsburgh to five points. his old friend. pic.twitter.com/eB49YYjhF3

The Sabres (29-31-8) have lost six straight, while their star center Jack — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) March 7, 2020 Eichel has gone scoreless during the skid. • Below is a statement from Wells Fargo Center public relations regarding • Everyone will say trap game because the Flyers have showdowns with the arena’s actions amid coronavirus concerns. Eastern Conference powers the Bruins and Lightning next week. Wells Fargo Center statement regarding actions amid coronavirus During the winning streak, the Flyers have dominated teams, outscoring concerns. pic.twitter.com/aJjRuuFGhL the opposition 36-16 coming into Saturday’s game. — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) March 8, 2020 They weren’t going to sustain that pace to the finish line. • The Flyers are off Sunday and practice Monday at the Wells Fargo However, if the Flyers want to prove they’re on the same level as Boston Center (team picture day) before hosting the NHL-leading Bruins and Tampa Bay, they’ll have to play exponentially better than they did Tuesday (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP). against Buffalo, which played far too often in the offensive zone for head Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 coach Alain Vigneault’s liking.

The Flyers were not on their game in terms of crispness, style and execution. It’s not like the effort was awful, though.

• Giroux and Jakub Voracek saved the Flyers offensively. Giroux handed the Flyers the lead in the second and third period, while Voracek notched primary assists on both of the goals.

The Flyers haven’t always needed their big boys to step up but they needed every bit of them Saturday night.

HE'S AT IT AGAIN!

Giroux scores his second of the night to break the tie. | @skiJFBB pic.twitter.com/A7RlMghlML

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 8, 2020

• Once again, Hart held down the fort at the Wells Fargo Center, making 38 saves, 13 of which came during the first period and 15 in the final stanza.

Hart improved to 20-2-2 at home this season, yielding two or fewer goals in 20 of those 24 games. He came into 2019-20 with only 31 games of NHL experience. That’s pretty impressive for his first full season.

If the Flyers can finish in second place or higher to earn a home-ice playoff berth for the opening round, they’ll be tough to beat over a seven- game series because of Hart.

The 21-year-old goalie hasn’t lost a game since Feb. 15 and made history in the process.

Carter Hart improved to 7-0-0 dating to Feb. 18 and became the first goaltender in NHL history to record multiple win streaks of seven-plus game at age 21 or younger (ALSO: 8-0-0 from Jan. 14 – Feb. 9, 2019). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/CMsbMCBrZO 1180237 Philadelphia Flyers “We didn’t deserve to win tonight,” Voracek added. “We were really flat throughout 60 minutes. Hartsy made some huge stops when we needed it. We got lucky we won, but in the end they don’t ask how. Good two points. We gotta be way better on Tuesday.” Carter Hart wills Flyers to ninth straight win Courier-Post LOADED: 03.08.2020

Dave Isaac

10:51 p.m. ET March 7, 2020

PHILADELPHIA — The last nine games have told quite a story and there’s been a chapter missing for the Flyers that’s always gotten under Claude Giroux’s skin.

Last week he mentioned “the letdown” as breaking up win streaks in the past and he didn’t want to see it happen Saturday night. The captain had a pair of goals in the Flyers’ 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, who have now lost a half dozen in a row, and it was Giroux’s goalie who held the fort down long enough for him to get the winner and extend the streak to nine.

In a season where things are finally starting to come together, maybe this is a box the Flyers can check off their list.

“Two things: good teams find ways to win, and Carter Hart,” coach Alain Vigneault said in summary. “At the end of the day, our goaltender tonight was the best player on the ice. Kept us in and you’re able to kill off penalties in the third and score a couple goals. Our goaltender had his best stuff and the other 18 guys were OK, but our goaltender had his best stuff tonight and that was the difference in the game.”

Hart made 38 saves on the night to secure the win, including all 13 shots he faced in the first period when the Flyers were outhustled and outmuscled.

For his troubles, the 21-year-old got the player-of-the-game helmet from Ivan Provorov. He’ll take all the equipment he can get his hands on these days, especially after what looked like a routine save on a Rasmus Dahlin slapshot in the second period kept him on the ice for a few seconds.

“Yeah, right in the nuts. Right underneath the cup,” Hart said. “That one didn’t feel very good.”

His 20th win of the season on home ice, that felt much better.

Giroux and Jake Voracek were the ones that spoke up at the second intermission, when the game was tied 1-1. They connected for Giroux’s second goal of the night halfway through the third and Joel Farabee got an insurance goal a few minutes later. Voracek now has 10 assists in his last five games and Giroux put home his 20th and 21st goals of the season.

“It wasn’t much to say. We’re pretty confident in how we play,” Giroux said. “We weren’t really playing at our best. We just tried to keep it simple in the third and just wait for our chances.”

“Right now, everything we touch is working,” Voracek added. “We were due for a game like that, let’s be honest. It’s impossible to be on top of your game throughout (every game of) the season but the difference is you find a way to win instead of getting beat. Good two points. We hang in with Washington. We’ve got a big one on Tuesday (against the Boston Bruins).”

The new ground for them wasn’t just winning again, it was taking care of business when the process was broken.

For the first 40 minutes the Flyers did not look like themselves, and as Voracek noted, it was their third game in four days. It also happened to come against one of the worst teams in the league.

“The emotions weren’t as high as the other games, let’s be honest, but we won,” Voracek said. “You can’t ask for much more.”

And it was the budding star goalie and the team’s top players that got them there.

“They’re our leaders on this team,” Vigneault said of Giroux and Voracek. “Our players follow their lead by the way they play and their determination and preparation. We knew we had been pretty average for 40 minutes. We hadn’t been perfect but we had an opportunity to win the game. Good teams find ways to win.” 1180238 Philadelphia Flyers

Coronavirus hasn’t affected the Flyers’ plans yet, but new policy may be coming

Dave Isaac

10:55 p.m. ET March 7, 2020

PHILADELPHIA — There was coronavirus confusion Saturday as mixed messages came from the NHL.

Some outlets reported league sources saying that locker rooms would be closed to media access due to concerns about the outbreak of the virus also known as COVID-19. Among other teams, the Flyers didn’t subscribe to that policy and said the NHL told them, “until further notice the locker rooms will remain open post game.”

There is a growing belief that there may be a more sweeping policy next week. Pro leagues and high-profile tournaments have begun to take action around the globe.

In the hockey world, the International Ice Hockey Federation canceled the women’s World Championship based on a recommendation of public health experts. The tournament was set to be hosted in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia from March 31 to April 10. There has been no decision made about the men’s tournament in Zurich and Lausanne, Switzerland in May.

Down in Florida, the Phillies instituted a policy in spring training, where autograph signing is part of the appeal, that players would pre-autograph baseballs and ballpark staff would help distribute them before the game. The team cited the Centers for Disease Control as recommending the new policy. The NBA reportedly sent a memo to teams telling them to prepare for the possibility of playing games with no fans in the building.

Public relations staffers for Wells Fargo Center, where the Flyers and 76ers play, sent a statement that suggested things were status quo for now.

“We are monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the CDC, local public health officials, our league partners and live event promoters,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our guests, athletes, staff and partners is paramount and we have strengthened our rigorous sanitation processes and procedures throughout the arena. We will continue to collaborate with our medical and safety teams and act accordingly as this situation develops.”

The virus that has the world on edge has made its way to South Jersey. Saturday morning, state health officials said that the first South Jersey resident to test positive for coronavirus is a 61-year-old Cherry Hill man.

Dealing with the virus and how to prevent it has been a fluid situation. Last week, the NHL sent a memo to teams recommending hygiene habits like properly and thoroughly washing hands.

If the NHL does change its media regulations, the players’ association has a say in that and is on board with keeping the doors closed. The NHLPA updated the players via a Q&A with the association’s medical consultant and has referred them to the CDC and Public Health Agency of Canada for the most up-to-date information about the virus.

Courier-Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180239 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor league report: Penguins snap losing streak

SETH RORABAUGH

Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:01 a.m.

Forward Jordy Bellerive and defenseman Zach Trotman each had a goal and an assist for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 5-2 home win against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Goaltender Dustin Tokarski made 20 saves for the Penguins (28-25-3-5) who snapped a five-game losing streak.

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is at home against the Binghamton Devils on Sunday, 3:05 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180240 Pittsburgh Penguins The Capitals responded with goals by Nicklas Backstrom, who beat Murray’s glove side, and Richard Panik for a 3-0 lead. The Penguins got a break when Jonas Siegenthaler was called for hooking Jared McCann on a breakaway, but Holtby stopped McCann on the penalty shot. Kevin Gorman: For Penguins, losing to Capitals was about missed opportunities The Penguins also failed to take advantage of Capitals defenseman John Carlson’s broken stick late in the second period. Holtby stopped Crosby’s shot by sweeping his left pad on a two-on-one feed from Conor Sheary. Dillon drew a delay of game penalty in the ensuing scrum with 24.1 KEVIN GORMAN seconds left. Saturday, March 7, 2020 7:03 p.m. That led to more misery for the Penguins.

They started the third period on the power play, only for former Penguin With a chance to close the gap for first place in the Metropolitan Division, Carl Hagelin to chip the puck past McCann and set up Nic Dowd for the the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals played the first period short-hander and a 4-0 lead. looking like playoff teams. To Sullivan, the solution is in playing with simplicity. The Capitals resembled their 2018 Stanley Cup champions. “We’ve got capable people. We’ve got the depth that we need. We try to Unfortunately for the Penguins, it was their 2019 version. utilize four lines,” Sullivan said. “It’s more about just collective effort, playing the right way and paying attention to the details. That’s what it Getting swept in the first round by the New York Islanders last spring boils down to. should have been a wakeup call for the Penguins. They can’t solely rely upon speed and skill to win games. “We’ve got to make better decisions, both with the puck and without the puck. When we do and we get locked in, that’s when we’re hard to play How the Penguins could sleepwalk through the first period of such a against. We’re a lot stingier, and that’s part of the fabric of the identity pivotal game for division standings and playoff seeding is a mystery. that we’re looking for moving forward.” Where the Capitals played tic-tac-toe to the tune of three goals, the Penguins could hardly muster a shot on goal. That identity should be of a Penguins playoff team, preferably one that has the fabric of the 2016 or ’17 versions. The result was a 5-2 loss to the Capitals on Saturday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena, one that was all about missed opportunities. The Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 03.08.2020 went 1 for 5 on the power play — failing to score on a 5 on 3 that covered 1 minute, 25 seconds — missed a penalty shot and allowed a short- handed goal.

The Penguins repeatedly found themselves on the wrong end of odd- man rushes, where they left goalie Matt Murray defenseless against the Capitals’ crisscrossing passes.

Other than that, everything went pretty well.

“It’s a fine line at any point but especially this time of year,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. “It’s very similar to the playoffs, where one little mistake and it’s in the back of your net. We’ve just got to understand that and make sure we limit them and give ourselves a chance. It’s an uphill climb when you’re down 3-0 against good hockey teams. We competed hard and gave ourselves a chance to get back in it, but that’s not a position you want to put yourself in.”

The Penguins could have cut the Capitals’ lead in the division to one point with a victory. Instead, Washington (89 points) has a five-point lead over the Penguins (84), who remain behind the Philadelphia Flyers for second place in the Metro and fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

“That’s not something we can really dwell on,” Crosby said, noting the Penguins host Carolina on Sunday. “We’ve got a lot of division games here the rest of the year. We’ve got to learn from it and move on pretty quick here.”

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan made an interesting decision by starting Murray in goal over Tristan Jarry. I would have preferred to see how Jarry handled a playoff atmosphere against an archrival. We know what Murray can do in the postseason.

It’s hard to fault Sullivan for picking Murray, as he was coming off a 4-2 victory at Buffalo on Thursday. The Penguins’ defensive breakdowns made the decision largely irrelevant.

Evgeni Malkin blamed the Penguins for playing “easy” because of a healthy complement of players on the top three lines and defense. The blame should include the stars, as Crosby missed more shots on net (three) than he made (two), Malkin was a minus-3 and defenseman Kris Letang a minus-4.

But it starts with the power play. When the Capitals were called for too many men on the ice with Brenden Dillon in the penalty box, the Penguins had a prime opportunity to tie the score.

Instead, the Penguins missed shot after shot. Patric Hornqvist sent one from the slot into the protective netting. Bryan Rust missed from the right, Malkin from the slot, Crosby on a point-blank rebound that sailed over Capitals goalie Braden Holtby’s left pad and through the crease. 1180241 Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite NHL coronavirus concerns, Penguins allow reporters in dressing room for interviews

KEVIN GORMAN

Saturday, March 7, 2020 5:07 p.m.

Despite reports the NHL would close dressing rooms to media because of concerns over the coronavirus on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Pittsburgh Penguins allowed theirs to be open Saturday.

Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet, an NHL rights holder, and Frank Seravelli of TSN, president of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, tweeted Saturday the league could close dressing rooms to reporters and that media availability would be held in formal news conference areas.

Reporters, however, were permitted to enter the dressing rooms to interview players after the Washington Capitals’ 5-2 victory over the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

The New York Islanders did not allow reporters in their dressing room after their game against Carolina at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Minnesota Wild and L.A. Kings closed their dressing rooms at Staples Center. On Friday, the San Jose Sharks sent their players to the podium instead of opening their dressing room.

Starting today, @NHL will close dressing rooms to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (@CDCgov) in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB + MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will be conducted in formal press conference area.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2020

Starting today, #NHL plans to close dressing room access to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB and MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will now be conducted in formal press conference areas.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2020

On Friday, the Penguins released a statement announcing they would follow the recommendations of the CDC, UPMC and the NHL in response to concerns of the coronavirus spreading as the death toll rises throughout the U.S.

“Our medical staff has been in communication for several weeks with UPMC Infectious Disease about safety and prevention,” the Penguins statement said. “The safety and health of our players, employees and fans are our first priority.” pic.twitter.com/7AkRgXhlhf

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 6, 2020

In response to reports the NBA could close games to spectators, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he would not play if there were no fans in attendance.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said such a scenario would “absolutely” make for an odd circumstance but avoided discussing whether he would play if the NHL cleared arenas for games.

“We’ve discussed the situation and have been brought up to speed with what’s going on,” Crosby said, “but I haven’t given any thought to that. I couldn’t give you an opinion either way.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180242 Pittsburgh Penguins “When a couple guys are injured, everyone steps up,” Malkin said. “We understand we need to play better. But when everyone is back, everyone is healthy, we think, ‘Oh, it’s so much much skill right now. And an easy game, we score every shift.’ Penguins look sleepy in home loss to Capitals “It’s not. We need to step up. It doesn’t matter who is in (the lineup.) When five or six guys are injured, we play so much better. It’s a little bit hard to understand right now.” SETH RORABAUGH Tribune Review LOADED: 03.08.2020 Saturday, March 7, 2020 3:46 p.m.

When determining who his starting goaltender is for each game, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan often proclaims his is a difficult decision.

After all, Matt Murray is a two-time winner of the Stanley Cup, and Tristan Jarry has matured into an All-Star this season.

On Saturday, the Penguins operated in such a way that it was largely irrelevant if Murray, Jarry or a stack of cinder blocks and mortar were in the crease.

Allowing a number of odd-man rushes and bumbling their way through an extended five-on-three power-play, the Penguins stumbled through a wretched first period that proved too daunting to overcome in a 5-2 loss to the rival Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena.

“The first period,” forward Evgeni Malkin said, “we sleep.”

They got a rude awakening only 1 minute, 26 seconds into regulation. After receiving a pass in the slot, Capitals forward Nic Dowd, virtually uncontested, roofed a wrister past Murray’s blocker for his sixth goal of the season.

The Penguins had an excellent opportunity to tie the score at 7:12 of the first period when they were granted an extended five-on-three power-play opportunity that lasted a bloated 1:25. But all they could muster with that ample time was a single shot by Malkin.

At 18:28 of the first, Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom converted a two- on-one rush into his 12th goal before Capitals forward Richard Panik collected his ninth goal off a three-on-two sequence.

“We just kind of chased a mistake with another one,” Penguins forward Sidney Crosby said of the opening frame. “Our (effort) was there. It just (that) we made some bad reads. A team like that, that’s pretty opportunistic, they’re not going to make mistakes with those two-on-ones and things like that. We gave them too good of chances there.”

Said Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson: “When you let in a couple of goals, sometimes you try to do too much. You try to get to the puck too quick instead of communicating with each other. There were a couple of pinches that made it a couple of two-on-ones. Got to play smarter.”

After Penguins forward Jared McCann was denied by goaltender Braden Holtby on a penalty shot at 18:48 of the second period, the Penguins finally got on the scoreboard at 5:09 of the third when forward Conor Sheary stole a puck behind the Capitals net and set up Crosby at the crease for his 16th goal.

Malkin scored his 22nd goal of the season at 12:16 of the third and pulled the Penguins within two.

Capitals forward T.J. Oshie snuffed out any hopes of a comeback by scoring his 26th goal at 13:12 of the third.

“They took advantage of our mistakes and made us pay on the odd-man rushes,” said Murray, who finished with 23 saves. “That’s a skilled group, and they finished when they got their chances.”

With the considerable exception of All-Star forward Jake Guentzel (to say nothing of contributing forwards such as Anthony Angello, Zach Aston- Reese and Dominik Simon), the Penguins dressed a lineup Saturday that was mostly able-bodied.

Yet they bore little resemblance to the team that relied on structure and succeeded with handfuls of call-ups from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earlier in the season. Even in a 4-2 road win Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, a team virtually eliminated from playoff contention, the Penguins allowed ample high-danger scoring chances. 1180243 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins to start Matt Murray against Capitals

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, March 7, 2020 12:05 p.m.

The Penguins will start goaltender Matt Murray against the rival Washington Capitals on Saturday according to coach Mike Sullivan.

In 36 games this season, Murray has a 19-10-5 record along with a 2.83 goals against average, a .900 save percentage and one shutout.

This will be the third consecutive start for Murray. He was in net for a 7-3 home win against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday as well as a 4-2 road victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Murray has not started three consecutive games since he made eight consecutive starts between Oct. 26 and Nov. 15.

The Penguins have largely platooned Murray and Tristan Jarry in net since late December. The last time either goaltender made three consecutive starts was a three-game stretch by Jarry between Jan. 12 and 16.

“He tends to play his best when the stakes get high,” Sullivan said of Murray. “And he’s shown that since he’s been a Pittsburgh Penguin. We think he’s playing extremely well as of late and that’s part of the reason why we made the decision that we made today.”

Notes:

• The Penguins will wear their yellow third jerseys.

• The Capitals are expected to start goaltender Braden Holtby. In 46 games this season, Holtby has a 24-14-5 record along with a 3.16 goals against average and an. 896 save percentage.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180244 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins-Hurricanes: Game time, TV-radio information, matchup notes

Staff Writer

MAR 8, 2020 7:00 AM

Who: Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes.

When, where: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, PPG Paints Arena.

Look, listen: AT&T SportsNet; WXDX-FM (105.9), PittsburghPenguins.com.

Noteworthy: The Hurricanes are the only team the Penguins have not yet played. They meet four times in March. ... Upper St. Clair’s Vincent Trocheck has one point and a minus-5 rating in five games since Florida traded him to Carolina. ... Presumed starting G Tristan Jarry posted a .850 save percentage while losing his past three starts. ... Before beating the New York Islanders on Saturday, the Hurricanes had lost all four games since an emergency goalie, David Ayes, helped them beat the Toronto Maple Leafs Feb. 22. ... Penguins C Jared McCann, who got stopped on a penalty shot Saturday in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, has not scored in 20 games. ... Hurricanes D Dougie Halmton had 40 points and a plus-30 rating in 47 games before his leg was broken Jan. 16.

Penguins Brandon Tanev, left, tries to control the puck in front of Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh.

Did you know? Assuming Penguins D Kris Letang suits up Sunday, he will pass Jaromir Jagr for fourth place on the team’s all-time games- played list at 807.

Post Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180245 Pittsburgh Penguins In the weeks since, the hockey world has been forced to address COVID- 19 in many more tangible ways.

The 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World As COVID-19 spreads, NHL reportedly considers modifying media Championship that was scheduled to begin March 31 in Canada has access been canceled, at the recommendations of the IIHF and Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health.

The IIHF has also canceled six U-18 tournaments in Europe in March. It MIKE DEFABO will wait until March 15 before addressing the World Championship, scheduled for May 8-24 in Switzerland. Switzerland's National League MAR 8, 2020 12:32 AM postponed its playoffs until at least March 15 after the Swiss government banned events with more than 1,000 spectators.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman discussed the situation with NHL.com. The NHL has urged players to limit contact with fans. The league I've updated. Here's the latest version below. suggested players avoid handshakes, close contact and autographs. The NHL also implemented a policy where league office employees are Amid growing concerns over COVID-19, the NHL is reportedly banned from traveling outside of the U.S. and Canada. considering further precautionary steps to avoid spreading the virus to players and fans. “We’ve been told limit our interaction with fans and stuff like that, which is really unfortunate,” Penguins defenseman Jack Johnson said. “That’s The league is considering a policy that would close the dressing room to just kind of the world we live in right now. Everyone is going to do their the media, according to multiple reports, including from ESPN and The best to not get it. I don’t know if there’s much we can do about it. But you Athletic. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is might as well try your best.” "considering every conceivable option" but it has not made any formal announcements. On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf confirmed the first two cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, one in Delaware County and one in Wayne County. There "What we're trying to do is make sure that we're doing the prudent are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Allegheny County, the county things," Bettman told NHL.com. "We're not looking to change our media health department tweeted in a Saturday afternoon update. policies on a long-term basis. This is in direct response to the coronavirus." On Friday, the Penguins issued the following statement.

Penguins Brandon Tanev, left, tries to control the puck in front of “The team is following the recommendations of the CDC, UPMC and the Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, right, during the second NHL,” the Penguins statement read. “Our medical staff has been in period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh. communication for several weeks with UPMC Infectious Disease about safety and prevention. The safety and health of our players, employees The Penguins opened their dressing room to reporters following and fans are our first priority.” Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the Capitals at PPG Paints Arena and have not announced any changes for Sunday’s game against the Carolina In other NHL cities where the virus has spread, teams have been forced Hurricanes. However, several teams around the league have already to make decisions. The San Jose Sharks were advised by Santa Clara enacted their own policies. County public health officials to cancel their game on Thursday night game against the Minnesota Wild. But that game against the Minnesota The San Jose Sharks began conducting interviews in a press conference Wild – and Saturday’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators – went on setting on Friday. The New York Islanders made select players available as scheduled. outside the locker room on Saturday. According to The Athletic, the Dallas Stars planned to conduct their interviews in a press conference “When we were out on the West coast, they told us to try to stay away room. from large crowds,” Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson said. “It’s all over the news. For sure, we talk about it. Coach addressed it. He told While no one will shed a tear over sports media access – nor should they us to be aware.” – it is fair to wonder what next steps the NHL might take. Post Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 The NBA reportedly asked teams to make contingency plans if they have to play games in empty arenas with only essential staff present.

The NHL’s deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN he has not ruled out options such as postponing or canceling games, or even playing games in empty arenas. But he said that’s “very unlikely.”

“Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, OK?” Bettman said. “We're staying on top of it and we're in constant communication with our clubs and the [NHL] Players' Association, and we're going to deal with this in as thorough, professional, on-top-of-it manner as possible. But let's everybody take a deep breath."

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told the Associated Press on Friday that he wouldn’t play in a game with no fans present.

“I ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd,” James said. “That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates, and I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about.”

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said it “absolutely” would be strange to play a game in an empty arena. But unlike James, he did not voice an opinion on the matter.

“We've discussed kind of the situation and, you know, been brought up to speed on what's going on,” Crosby said. “But I haven't given any thought to that. Couldn't give you an opinion either way."

Weeks ago, the hockey world began to feel the ripple effects of a serious situation in a rather trivial way – hockey sticks. Bauer and CCM, two of the top manufacturers, were forced to close production facilities in China, where the virus originated. This raised possible concerns about a stick shortage. 1180246 Pittsburgh Penguins He added: “It’s a fine line at any point, but especially this time of year. Very similar to the playoffs where one little mistake and it’s in the back of your net.”

Penguins cough up three goals on odd-man rushes in 5-2 loss to The Capitals cashed in on one more 2-on-1 early in the third period, with Capitals the Penguins on the power play and still down 3-0. Jared McCann lost a foot race to Carl Hagelin then Hagelin and Dowd were off. Three patient passes later, Letang and Murray were pulled out of position and Dowd hit the open net. MATT VENSEL “If we’ve got a contested puck on one side of the ice, we’ve got to make MAR 7, 2020 8:56 PM sure that we’ve got support on the opposite side so we stay above people,” Sullivan said, referring to three Penguins who watched the play go the other way. The Penguins have a major problem, and it’s not picking who is in goal. Because if they keep this up, it isn’t going to matter which guy they throw The Penguins finally scored early in the third period, after Sheary made a in there. nice play to steal the puck behind the net then hit Crosby with a centering pass. Malkin made it 4-2 on a power play, notching his seventh point in Over the first three months of the season, the Penguins were among the the past three games. But T.J. Oshie answered right back to silence the NHL’s most disciplined teams when it came to limiting odd-man rushes crowd and seal a win. against. The Penguins are 1-2 against the Capitals. They beat them Feb. 2 in That was something coach Mike Sullivan, still irked about the meltdown Washington but lost to them twice in the past two weeks by a combined against the New York Islanders last postseason, harped on during score of 10-5. training camp and then stayed on them about whenever they showed the slightest bit of slippage. With 15 games left, the Penguins are running out of time to rediscover the poise and patience that allowed them to frustrate their opponents But since the calendar turned to 2020 and even more so after the All-Star early on. break in late January, some players have fallen into old habits, allowing too many of those dangerous chances against their dueling goalies. Matt “We’ve got capable people. We’ve got the depth that we need. We’re Murray fought off a few of them in Thursday’s win in Buffalo, earning trying to utilize four lines,” Sullivan said. “It’s more about collective effort, himself a third straight start. playing the right way and paying attention to the details. That’s what it boils down to. … We’ve got to make better decisions, both with the puck The goalie didn’t bail them out this time around as the Penguins lost, 5-2, and without the puck.” to the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday. The Capitals twice scored on odd-man rushes in the first period and got The coach, who was calm, added: “When we do that, and when we get another one in the third. locked in, I think that’s when we’re hard to play against, we’re a lot stingier and that’s part of the fabric of the identity we’re looking for here “It’s certainly an area we’ve discussed a lot in the last five or six weeks,” moving forward.” Sullivan said. “It just boils down to discipline to details and making sure we pay attention, we have an awareness on the ice, we make better Murray, who won his two previous starts, made 23 saves in the loss. decisions and we support one another. It’s definitely an area of our game Tristan Jarry figures to get the nod Sunday in the second half of their where we’ve got to improve.” back-to-back. They will host the Carolina Hurricanes, who snapped a four-game losing streak Saturday. The Penguins had an atrocious first period, one of their worst all season. Post Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 They had a breakdown in their zone, leaving Nic Dowd alone in front of Murray for the game’s first goal just 1:52 in. They hardly threatened on a 5-on-3 power play that lasted for 85 seconds. And then a pair of failed pinches by Penguins defensemen at the offensive blue line led to goals off odd-man rushes.

“[The Capitals] were waiting for those opportunities,” Marcus Pettersson said. “They played hard. Give them credit. But I think we made a lot of mistakes.”

Nicklas Backstrom made it 2-0 with 3:45 left in the first after Kris Letang tried to hold the blue line and got caught flat-footed. The Penguins had all three forwards below the dots on that play. Evgeni Malkin tried to get back to break up a 2-on-1, but he had too much ground to cover and not enough gas in the tank.

“First period, we just weren’t above the puck enough. The way we play, our D are going to be going down the walls in the offensive zone, trying to keep the play alive,” Jack Johnson said. “There were just a few times where we had [two players doing] the same job. It cost us some odd-man rushes, cost us some goals.”

Washington Capitals' Nic Dowd, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring on Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray during the first period,Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh.

Not long after that, Justin Schultz stepped up to contest a clear and crashed into Sidney Crosby, leading to another 2-on-1. Conor Sheary hustled back to even the numbers but nobody picked up the third man. Nick Jensen faked a shot then went back door to Richard Panik, who slid a shot under a sprawling Murray.

“We just kind of chased a mistake with another one,” Crosby said. “You get down early in the game. I think our [competitiveness] was there. We made some bad reads and it ended up being a team like that, that’s pretty opportunistic.” 1180247 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins-Capitals: Game time, TV information and matchup notes

Staff Writer

MAR 7, 2020 11:00 AM

The Penguins will be facing the Capitals tonight in Pittsburgh. Here’s everything you need to know about this impending matchup:

Who: Penguins vs. Washington Capitals

When, where: 1 p.m. Saturday, PPG Paints Arena.

Look, listen: AT&T SportsNet, NHL Network (subject to blackout); WXDX-FM (105.9), PittsburghPenguins.com.

Evgeni Malkin goes through drills during afternoon practice, Monday, March 2, 2020, at PPG Paints Arena.

Mike DeFabo

Evgeni Malkin's 5-on-5 production gives Penguins one-two punch that was missing last season

Noteworthy: The Penguins begin their 14th set of back-to-back games in 2019-20. So far, Pittsburgh is 12-13-1 in back to backs (6-6-1 the first night; 6-7-0 the second night). ... Defenseman Kris Letang enters the game having played in 805 career NHL games. He is one game shy of tying Jaromir Jagr (806) for the fourth place on the team’s all-time games played list. ... Evgeni Malkin has racked up 48 assists in just 52 games after another multi-assist game on Thursday against the Sabres. Malkin, who has six assists over his last two games, is averaging 0.92 assists per game. That’s the highest of his career and tied for the third-best assists-per-game ratio in the NHL. ... Forward Nick Bjugstad made his long-awaited return to the lineup on Thursday night after missing the last 46 games due to core muscle surgery. Bjugstad skated 11:02 minutes, primarily on a line with Jared McCann and Patric Hornqvist, and finished the game with an assist on Hornqvist’s first goal. ... Although the Washington Capitals (40-20-7) are tied with the Flyers atop the Metropolitan Division standings with 87 points, they are marred in a slump. They’re just 3-5-2 over the last 10 games, including a stretch of three losses in the last four games. ... Alex Ovechkin scored two more goals on Thursday night, bringing his career total to 705, eighth all-time. ... The Capitals’ goaltending has been suspect recently. They’ve allowed 3.6 goals per game over the last 10 games.

Did you know?: Pittsburgh has been especially good against Washington at home, where they’ve won six of their last seven games (6-1-0). In those games, The Penguins are averaging 5.14 goals per game.

Post Gazette LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180248 Pittsburgh Penguins 16-15-4 .457%

3 Humbled at home by Capitals, Penguins facing pivotal point in their season 2017-18

14-20-1

Rob Rossi .400%

Mar 7, 2020 8

2016-17

A week that began with defenseman Kris Letang defiantly proclaiming 20-11-4 “everything we need is in this room” will end on a point that feels like it could turn or tip the Penguins’ season. .571%

Indeed, a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday seems 1 likes a pivotal moment. If so, the Penguins can’t be arriving at it with too "We just kind of chased a mistake with another one," Crosby said of the much confidence. Penguins falling behind 3-0 in the first period. "You get down early in a On its own, a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena game and ... I think our compete was there. We made some bad reads. on Saturday afternoon probably wouldn’t be enough to shake the And, you know, a team like that, that's pretty opportunistic, (is) not going foundation of a group that looked into the abyss (two-plus months without to make mistakes." captain Sidney Crosby) and ended up being the NHL’s best squad over The Penguins surrendered 22 scoring chances to the Capitals and 11 that span. But it’s truly been a tale of two seasons for the Penguins, and were of the high-danger variety (as charted by Natural Stat Trick). Given the second is more like “The Empire Strikes Back” than “A New Hope.” the potential for a first-round playoff showdown between the teams, the Which is not to suggest anybody is about to lose a hand over what Penguins probably will want to work on being a lot better in their final happens in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Penguins’ grip on a postseason regular-season game against the Capitals on March 22. appearance, which would extend the league’s longest streak to 14 Let's get real: The Penguins will need to have improved on a lot by that consecutive years, remains firm. game.

However, a 2-7-0 run is no way to win a division, let alone build If they don't, it'll be another example of Malkin sitting or standing at his momentum for a Stanley Cup run. While losing to the Capitals is no dressing room stall and trying to send a message. He has done that on hanging matter, it’s akin to a hockey capital crime to earn only 41.6 multiple occasions, three times in the last 12 games, and is clearly percent of available points from a stretch of 12 games against opponents grasping for words that will bring about a sense of urgency with who had a combined winning percentage of .405 before games played teammates. Saturday. Their most consistent player this season, Malkin is having one of his That’s what has happened, though. finest seasons. Seven players are averaging at least 1.30 points per If the Penguins don’t win the Metropolitan Division — and even with a game, and Malkin is the oldest by five years. Last summer, while training game in hand on the Capitals, making up a five-point deficit would be in , Malkin vowed to again reach a rarefied level. He also talked some kind of feat — they’ll have the dozen games from mid-February of wanting to become a better leader. through early March to look upon and wonder what the heck happened. As he answered questions Saturday afternoon, Malkin looked to be at a It’s kind of obvious what’s been happening. The Penguins have gone loss. As he had in recent weeks, he lamented the Penguins playing hard from seemingly never losing to being lost. and outworking opponents their first 50 or so games only to abandon that approach when players returned from injury. A team that is blessed with two players who have won four scoring titles can’t go on the power play without sending a shiver down the spine of "Now, we feel like everyone's back, we have so much skill," Malkin said. everybody on its bench. That same team also couldn’t do much of "We think it's easy game because we have a good team." anything on a lengthy two-man advantage in the opening period against Do they? the Capitals, who essentially won Saturday by killing that glorious opportunity for the Penguins to get back into the game. General manager Jim Rutherford had talked openly about not wanting to disrupt the team chemistry. Then he added four forwards within a month Aside from a 3-for-3 performance in a home win over the Toronto Maple of the trade deadline. Coach Mike Sullivan insisted "we've got the depth Leafs last month, the Penguins are 6 of 36 on the power play during their we need" and that the Penguins are "trying to utilize four lines." That's slide. One of those goals was scored in the third period Saturday as accurate. Evgeni Malkin’s goal briefly cut the Capitals’ lead in half. It's not inaccurate to suggest the Penguins looked out of sync (and thus T.J. Oshie snuffed out any spark with his goal within a minute of Malkin’s. far too plodding for Sullivan's do-everything-fast preferences) against the Oshie’s goal was the seventh for the Capitals in three third periods Capitals. They have looked to be off — either slow or unlucky 0r against the Penguins. Against the rest of the league, the Penguins’ goal frustrated, but always something — in stretches of every game since the differential in the final period of regulation is plus-10, but they are at trades that brought in forwards Patrick Marleau and Evan Rodrigues and minus-3 against the Capitals. brought back winger Conor Sheary.

They’ve also trailed first each game against the Capitals. Not that the It would make sense the Penguins resemble a group of players trying to Penguins allowing an opponent to take a lead should strike anybody as figure things out on the fly. Each of the four lines has been altered by surprising. That has happened in 37 of 67 games this season and 142 of either an acquired or returning or injury-replacement player. The defense 313 games the past four seasons. corps has played more games together this week than it had since Black When the Penguins allow the first goal Friday. Matt Murray has made three more starts since the All-Star break than Tristan Jarry, even though Jarry was an All-Star goalie. 2019-20 Arguably the finest work of Sullivan's tenure was rallying the Penguins to 15-19-3 dominate while Crosby was recovering from core/sports hernia surgery from early November through mid-January. Then, their success was .405% attributable to what their failings were Saturday afternoon — and mostly 7 over the 11 prior games, too.

2018-19 "It's more about just collective effort, playing the right way and paying attention to the details," Sullivan said. "That's what it boils down to." Also, it boils down to an end-of-season schedule that featured 14 of 16 games against opponents within the division. That stretch began Saturday.

Even when they were rolling, the Penguins always were aware a big part of their postseason fate could be determined by how they handled the final 20 percent of their regular-season schedule. They'll get one more crack at each of the teams they trail in the Metropolitan. They'll also face potential playoff teams trailing them nine times, starting with the Hurricanes at home Sunday.

A quick turnaround after an ugly loss usually does a good team, well, good. The Penguins are probably still a good team, but it's not too often inconsistent teams end up doing much more than make token playoff appearances — and that won't be good enough this season because it wasn't too long ago the hockey team in Pittsburgh seemed ticketed for a deep run.

No team reaches a pivotal point in a season unless something has gone wrong. So, what's wrong with the Penguins?

"I don't have one," defenseman Jack Johnson said of the answer. "If I did, things wouldn't be this way right now."

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180249 San Jose Sharks After Sunday, the Sharks begin a four-game, week-long road trip, with the first stop Wednesday in Chicago against the Blackhawks at United Center.

San Jose Sharks take measures to slow spread of coronavirus “If that’s what they do, that’s what they do,” Sharks goalie Aaron Dell said when asked about the possibility of playing games in empty arenas. “I don’t think it would make a huge difference to me. It would be kind of weird. It would be really, really quiet. But if that’s what they have to do, By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay that’s what they have to do.” Area News Group In Saturday’s game, former Sharks forward Chris Tierney scored 35 PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 8:59 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at seconds into overtime to give the Senators the win. Tierney took a pass 9:15 p.m. from Anthony Duclair on a Senators 2-on-1 and beat Dell with a shot just below the cross bar.

SAN JOSE — The Sharks left SAP Center on Saturday with the “I think we did a pretty good job of limiting their second and third assumption they would be back inside the arena the following night to opportunities for the most part,” said Dell, who finished with 36 saves. play the Colorado Avalanche. Kane scored with 11 seconds left in the first period for the Sharks, who But with efforts by the NHL and individual teams constantly evolving as converted on their third power play try of the game after they misfired on they try to slow down the spread of coronavirus, it’s tough to say what their first two. might be next. Kane was stationed in front of the Senators net when Brent Burns fired a “It’s hard not to turn on the TV or look at your phone and not see some shot on goal. The rebound bounced up in the air before Kane batted it in sort of news outlet reporting it,” winger Evander Kane said Saturday after past goalie Craig Anderson for his 25th goal of the season and his 13th the Sharks’ 2-1 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators. “You try and stay with the man advantage. up to date on what’s happening and what you can do to protect yourself The Sharks put 32 shots on Anderson, including two in overtime as they as best as possible.” fell to 3-1-1 on their six-game homestand. Inside the downtown arena after Saturday’s game, teams closed their “We had some chances around the net, especially in the second period dressing rooms to media. The Sharks began the measure Friday after and late in the third, but we didn’t finish,” Kane said. “We’ve got to be they held a brief practice at SAP Center, and it could become a league- hungrier to score. That’s really the bottom line.” wide action in the next few days. ▪ Defenseman Mario Ferraro missed Saturday’s game with a lower body Kane was among the players and coaches from both teams who spoke injury and will likely be out Sunday as well, Sharks interim coach Bob from behind podiums. Normally, players speak inside their respective Boughner said. Nikolai Knyzhov, recalled earlier Saturday from the locker rooms after each game, surrounded by a scrum of reporters. Barracuda, made his NHL debut against the Senators and finished with For complete Sharks coverage 11 minutes and 48 seconds of ice time.

The new protocol is not expected to be permanent, but may last for the Boughner was optimistic that Ferraro would be able to join the Sharks for rest of the regular season and into the playoffs. the start of their road trip next week.

“I think so far,” Kane said, “we’re doing a good job of taking the right “It’s just been lingering and it’s to the point now where we’ve got to get precautions.” him some rest,” Boughner said of Ferraro’s injury.

The Sharks announced that 16,018 tickets had been distributed for Saturday’s game at SAP Center. That was up from the season-low San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 03.08.2020 14,517 tickets that had been distributed for Thursday’s home game with the Minnesota Wild. Sunday’s crowd, too, is expected to be larger than it was Thursday.

Thursday, Santa Clara County public health officials recommended staying away from large gatherings such as sporting events. Later that day, the Sharks announced their game with Wild would go on as scheduled. Friday, the Sharks announced that this weekend’s game would also take place.

Saturday, Santa Clara County health officials announced that eight more residents have tested positive for the illness, bringing the total to 32.

The NBA has reportedly told its teams to prepare for the possibility of playing games in empty arenas.

Saturday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would not comment on if the league has entertained that same idea.

“I don’t want to create any speculation or hysteria,” Bettman told reporters Saturday. “There are obviously a variety of consequences that we may have to focus on and we’ll do that in the appropriate time, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, OK?

“We’re staying on top of it. We’re in constant communication with our clubs and the players association and we’re going to deal with this in as thorough, professional, on-top-of-it manner as possible. Let’s everybody take a deep breath.”

It was mentioned by Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, though, that the NHL has asked teams for available building dates later in April should games have to be postponed. The idea of playing in empty arenas has been discussed as a worst-case scenario. 1180250 San Jose Sharks

Sharks sunk by former teammate’s goal in overtime loss

By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 6:47 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 7:23 p.m.

SAN JOSE — Chris Tierney scored 35 seconds into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 2-1 win over the Sharks at SAP Center on Saturday.

Tierney took a pass from Anthony Duclair on a Senators 2-on-1 and beat Aaron Dell with a shot just below the cross bar. Dell had 36 saves through regulation time.

The Sharks announced that 16,018 ticket had been distributed for Saturday’s game, up from the 14,517 that had been announced for Thursday’s game with the Minnesota Wild.

The Sharks end their six-game homestand Sunday night against the Colorado Avalanche, a game that as of Saturday evening was still going to be played.

Throughout the area, events such as high school basketball games, a movie festival and ballet performances had all been postponed or canceled in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Thursday, Santa Clara County public health officials recommending staying away from large gatherings such as sporting events. Later that day, the Sharks announced their game with Minnesota Wild would go on as scheduled. Friday, the Sharks announced that this weekend’s game would also take place.

Saturday, Santa Clara County health officials announced that eight residents have tested positive for the illness, bringing the total to 32.

The Sharks were outshot 10-9 by the Senators in the second period. In the final two minutes of the second period, Ottawa hit two posts, including one off a shot by Bobby Ryan with an open net with in front of him.

With 1.4 seconds left in the second period, defenseman Radim Simek was whistled for putting his hand on the puck inside the Sharks’ crease and the Senators were awarded a penalty shot. Former Sharks center Chris Tierney took the attempt, but couldn’t get a shot away as the puck slid off his stick as he tried to move it from his backhand to his forehand in front of Dell.

Kane scored with 11 seconds left in the first period to tie the game 1-1, as the Sharks converted on their third power play try of the game after they misfired on their first two.

Kane was stationed in front of the Senators net when Brent Burns fired a shot on goal. The rebound bounced up in the air before Kane batted it in past goalie Craig Anderson for his 25th goal of the season and his 13th with the man advantage.

Nick Paul gave the Senators a 1-0 lead at the 10:33 mark of the first period. With three Sharks players around below the Sharks goal line, Paul took a pass from Anthony Duclair and beat Dell from the slot for his ninth goal of the season.

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Injured Sharks rookie defenseman out vs. Senators, likely out vs. Avalanche

By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2020 at 2:27 p.m. | UPDATED: March 7, 2020 at 3:45 p.m.

SAN JOSE — Defenseman Mario Ferraro has a lower body injury and will not play Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators and will likely be out for Sunday’s game with the Colorado Avalanche, Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said.

Nikolai Knyzhov, recalled earlier Saturday from the Barracuda, will make his NHL debut against the Senators at SAP Center and be paired with Brandon Davidson.

Boughner said Ferraro, 21, has been dealing with the injury for about a week and a half. Ferraro, arguably the Sharks’ top rookie this season with 11 points in 61 games, did not practice Friday. Boughner, though, is optimistic that Ferraro will be able to join the Sharks for their four-game road trip that begins Wednesday in Chicago.

“It’s just been lingering and it’s to the point now where we’ve got to get him some rest,” Boughner said of Ferraro’s injury.

With Knyzhov playing, Tim Heed will be paired with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Brent Burns will stay with Radim Simek. Boughner, though, said Burns and Vlasic will be used more often than usual. Burns is averaging 25:12 of ice time per game this season, which leads all skaters, and Vlasic is averaging 20:17 per game.

“We’re going to probably rotate Burns and Vlasic through everybody,” Boughner said, “so I would expect big minutes for those guys tonight. They’ll be a lot of different partners I think you’ll see tonight.”

Knyzhov, 21, signed with the Sharks out of the KHL in July 2019. He played in 33 games for the Barracuda this season and had five points with a plus-four rating and 22 penalty minutes.

Boughner saw Knyzhov in rookie camp, training camp and in some Barracuda games this season and came away impressed with his skating ability.

“He’s got NHL feet for sure,” Boughner said of Knyzhov. “He’s just learning to be a pro and learning to be consistent, if anything. He goes back to loose pucks and skates really well, even though he’s got to work on his defensive game.”

Alexander True is expected to rejoin the Sharks’ lineup for Saturday’s game, with Noah Gregor coming out. Friday, True centered the Sharks’ fourth line with Antti Suomela and Kevin Labanc on the wings.

The Sharks are 3-1-0 so far on their six-game homestand. The Senators have also won three of their last four games, although they are 6-19-6 away from home this season.

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Sharks' Brent Burns excited to 'eat more' after most ice time since 2016

By Brian Witt

March 07, 2020 8:26 PM

Erik Karlsson is done for the season. Brenden Dillon now plays for the Washington Capitals. Jacob Middleton went down with what looked to be a gruesome lower-body injury in the Sharks' win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, and fellow rookie defenseman Mario Ferraro was ruled out of both of San Jose's games this weekend with the same injury description.

Yeah, it would be fair to say the Sharks' defensive corps has taken a beating over the last month.

San Jose's depth in the back end has been tested due to the quick succession of departures from the lineup. Nikolai Knyzhov was thrown into the fire in making his NHL debut in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, in which he was paired up with Brandon Davidson, who was making just his second appearance with the Sharks after being acquired at the trade deadline.

With some new faces on the blue line, interim coach Bob Boughner relied on his veterans even more than usual, and none more so than Brent Burns. After playing nearly 13 minutes in the first period of Saturday's game, he finished with 31:35 minutes of ice time -- the most he has played in a game since Dec. 13, 2016.

Burns' heavy load was simply the result of the predicament the Sharks currently find themselves in.

"We don't really have any choice, with Mario out and [Middleton] out," Boughner said after Saturday's loss. "I thought that Knyzhov played a pretty good game tonight for his first game in the NHL. We know we're playing Burns heavy minutes and the big three or four guys there heavy minutes, but it is what it is."

After the game, Burns was no worse for wear, and even seemed excited by the reward he earned for himself.

"I feel great. I feel good," Burns said. "I think we're all in the same boat. We all train for the summer to play more than we ever play, so it's good.

"I get to eat more tonight now."

Burns apparently required a little extra to refuel after Saturday's long haul, and he'll need it in short order. With the Sharks hosting the Colorado Avalanche on the back end of a back-to-back on Sunday at SAP Center, he has less than 24 hours to get ready for what should be another demanding game, particularly for him.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180253 San Jose Sharks It was evident from the start, as Burns played more than half of the first period -- 12:50 to be exact -- which is the most ice time any NHL skater has had in the opening period in the last three seasons, according to Sportradar. Radim Simek was the only other Sharks defenseman to Sharks takeaways: What we learned in 2-1 overtime loss vs. Senators skate even half that long in the first period, and he barely qualified with 6:26 of ice time.

Burns' heavy load eased up as the game went on, but he still finished the By Brian Witt contest with a game-high 31:35 of ice time, the most he has played in March 07, 2020 6:36 PM any game this season. One day before his 35th birthday, Burns showed again that few players in the NHL can measure up to his incredible stamina.

In a game that began with an unusual 4 p.m. puck drop, the Sharks took a while to get going and ultimately lost their second straight game, falling 2-1 in overtime to the Ottawa Senators at SAP Center on Saturday. After Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 both sides scored in the first period, neither found the back of the net again until former Shark Chris Tierney scored the game-winner for Ottawa in the extra period.

Aaron Dell was saddled with the loss in net for San Jose, but the result likely would have been worse without a strong performance from the Sharks' backup goaltender, which included a stop of Tierney on a penalty shot late in the second period. Ultimately, though, Tierney got the last laugh, and San Jose is left to wonder where the momentum that was built up over the first three games of the current homestand has gone.

With the loss, the Sharks (29-24-5) were swept in the season series by the Senators (25-32-12) after losing 5-2 in Ottawa back on Oct. 27.

Here are three takeaways from San Jose's second consecutive one-goal defeat:

Evander Kane kept his recent hot streak going on Saturday, and so did the Sharks' power play.

It all happened simultaneously late in the first period when Kane batted a puck out of the air into Ottawa's net for San Jose's only goal of the contest. It came 19 seconds after Senators forward Bobby Ryan went to the penalty box for goaltender interference and eight seconds before the end of the opening frame.

Assisted by Timo Meier and Brent Burns, Kane's goal marked his fourth in the last four games, and brought his season total to 25. Additionally, it was his 13th power-play goal of the season, pulling him into a tie with Washington's Alex Ovechkin for the fourth-most in the league.

With Kane's first-period tally, the Sharks have now scored a power-play goal in each of their last three games, dating back to Tuesday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the game before that, Meier found the back of the net seven seconds after a Pittsburgh Penguins' penalty had expired.

After struggling for most of the season, San Jose appears to be finding a groove with the man advantage. Better late than never, right?

Dell got the start in net against the Senators, his first on the Sharks' current homestand after Martin Jones started the first four games. Having not played since a 4-2 loss in Philadelphia on Feb. 25, it marked Dell's longest stretch between starts since early December.

Even with the relatively long layoff, though, Dell didn't appear to show any rust. He was a steady presence in net throughout Saturday's game, stopping multiple breakaways, including a crucial penalty shot just before the second intermission. In total, he stopped 36 of the 38 shots he faced, and he didn't have much of a chance on the two that got by him.

Jones earned his four consecutive starts through arguably his strongest stretch of play this season. It wasn't necessarily the result of anything Dell did wrong or poorly, and with Saturday's staunch performance, one would imagine he won't have to wait as long between starts next time around.

With rookie standout Mario Ferraro ruled out for both of San Jose's games over the weekend, interim coach Bob Boughner had to get creative with the Sharks' defensive pairs against the Senators. 21-year- old rookie Nikola Knyzhov made his NHL debut in Ferraro's place after being called up from the Barracuda earlier in the day.

Knyzhov was paired with trade deadline acquisition Brandon Davidson on San Jose's third pair, and the rookie definitely had a couple of "Welcome to the NHL" moments. With some new faces on the blue line, interim coach Bob Boughner relied on Brent Burns even more than usual. 1180254 San Jose Sharks

NHL rumors: CDC advises league close locker rooms to stop coronavirus

By Marcus White

March 07, 2020 1:28 PM

The Centers for Disease Control reportedly recommended that NHL teams close their dressing rooms to media in order to stop coronavirus' spread.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported Saturday that teams will hold interviews in a formal press area.

The Sharks will play Saturday and Sunday at SAP Center as scheduled against the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche, respectively, after the Santa Clara County public health department recommended "postponing or canceling mass gatherings and large community events where large numbers of people are within arm's length of one another."

The team already began holding media availabilities away from the locker room following Friday's practice at Sharks Ice, and the Sharks confirmed to NBC Sports California they will do so again for Saturday's game against the Senators.

Just over 2,000 fewer fans attended San Jose's loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday than the Sharks averaged in the first three games of their current six-game homestand. That game came hours after the county's health recommendations, and it remains to be seen how the coronavirus' spread will affect attendance moving forward. That's if fans are allowed to attend at all.

The NBA, which reportedly could follow the NHL's lead and limit locker- room access, sent a memo to teams to begin preparing for the possibility of playing games in empty arenas, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Friday. An NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore was played in an empty gym. The International Ice Hockey Federation canceled the 2020 Women's World Championship in Nova Scotia, which would have featured the United States, Canada, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Seventeen people in the U.S. have died from coronavirus, which the World Health Organization has deemed "COVID-19." NBC News reported that there are over 330 confirmed cases in the U.S., and over 100,000 others in 80 countries have been infected worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

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Joe Thornton, Sharks help Selena Urban live out her Make-A-Wish dream

By Brian Witt

March 06, 2020 8:50 PM

The Sharks might be in the midst of a tough season, but it pales in comparison to what Selena Urban has been through.

Urban, 16, is a renal transplant patient and a lifelong fan of the Sharks. Her dream has always been to meet the team, and thanks to the Sharks Foundation and Make-A-Wish Bay Area, San Jose was able to make it happen Friday.

Urban's special day, which featured countless ear-to-ear smiles and an ample amount of happy tears, began with a superstar greeting from the Sharks' front office. Soon after, she made her way out to the ice at SAP Center, where San Jose was positioned for its team photo. To cross to slippery surface, she got an assist from -- who else -- Joe Thornton.

After the photo and sharing a hug with her favorite player, Urban stuck around to get a front-row seat for the Sharks' limited practice. Given how many players stopped by to visit with her, she clearly was popular.

While she sat on the Sharks' bench, interim coach Bob Boughner came over to give her a big surprise. When San Jose hears its starting lineup Saturday night before taking on the Ottawa Senators, it will be Urban announcing the five skaters to the locker room.

The shock and awe didn't stop there, though. After practice was over, Urban reconvened with Thornton, who had not one, but two more surprises for her.

Why? Because Thornton is going to pick her up Saturday and drive her to the game.

"He has my face on his socks!"

The first day of Urban's dream experience concluded with a ride on the Zamboni. Saturday, though, the fun will start right back up again.

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Sharks taking precautions with coronavirus, but proceeding as planned

By Brian Witt

March 06, 2020 7:22 PM

Following the lead of the NBA, the NHL sent a memo to all 31 of its teams on Friday, urging players to limit contact with fans due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Sharks already have made some changes to their usual routine, although the team announced that, based on the information currently available, all events scheduled at SAP Center this weekend will go on as planned.

San Jose is scheduled to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday before wrapping up a six-game homestand against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Additionally, the Barracuda -- the Sharks' AHL affiliate -- are scheduled to face the San Diego Gulls at SAP Center on both Friday and Saturday night.

Though the games are expected to proceed as scheduled, the team strongly encouraged fans to follow the suggestions of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, which recommended that "persons at higher risk avoid mass gatherings such as parades, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm's length of one another."

Sharks games would certainly fall into that category, and it would appear the coronavirus has already had a significant impact on attendance. For San Jose's 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night, only 14,517 tickets were sold. SAP Center has a seating capacity of 17,562, and Thursday's crowd was the smallest the Sharks have had in a home game in the last five years.

The health department issued that recommendation only hours before Thursday's game, which is the only explanation for the sudden drop-off in attendance. For the first three games of the homestand, the Sharks averaged 16,868 fans per contest.

One would imagine that attendance figures will be down through the remainder of the homestand, and potentially longer.

The Sharks had a limited practice Friday, and although they can't be sure how many fans they'll be playing in front of against the Senators, they had already begun taking extra precautions so as to limit their chances of contracting the coronavirus. Starting Friday, in a policy that will remain in place for the foreseeable future, members of the media were not allowed into San Jose's dressing room after practice, and instead conducted their player interviews at a podium outside of it.

"It’s not bad. I like to stand behind the podium to do interviews. It’s a little more professional,” Timo Meier told The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka. “With the coronavirus now going on, you’ve got to be careful and wash your hands and keep your distance."

It remains to be seen how many fans will keep theirs.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180257 San Jose Sharks Sharks coach Bob Boughner was an assistant when Donskoi signed with the team. He said the winger stood out during the team’s 2015 development camp. Months later, he returned for the team’s training camp that September. Boughner said Donskoi had a “great camp” and ‘It’s going to be emotional’: Avs’ Joonas Donskoi makes way back to San “great preseason,” which led to him earning a spot on the team as a Jose rookie.

That season, Donskoi finished with 36 points over 76 games while also having six goals and 12 points across 24 playoff games to help the By Ryan S. Clark Sharks reach the Stanley Cup final. Mar 7, 2020 “I don’t think there were any promises made to him back then. He had to earn it,” Boughner said. “It’s a guy that just I know he had success back in Europe, and when he came here, he made the most of it. He was just VANCOUVER — He has never claimed to have all the answers yet there a strong guy, a powerful guy and a guy that you could put up and down was a time when Joonas Donskoi had more questions than solutions. the lineup. We used him all over the lineup.”

The Florida Panthers used a fourth-round pick on him in 2010 but both Goaltender Aaron Dell, a former teammate, describes Donskoi as sides never agreed to an entry-level contract. He submitted his name for someone who was popular within the dressing room while also being one the 2012 NHL Draft only to go unselected. Going through such an of the funnier personalities on the team. experience — especially at such a young stage in his professional career — made him wonder whether he would remain in Finland and play in the “The Finnish guys are always really nice,” Dell said. “He’s a little bit Liiga for the rest of his life. different, which is kind of what made him, him. He fit in well here. I think we have a lot of strong personalities, a lot of really unique personalities. “But the Sharks saw something in me and they decided to sign me as a That really helped while he was here.” free agent,” Donskoi recalled. “I’m going to be forever grateful for that chance they gave me to become an NHL player. They gave me a fair Donskoi is having a similar effect on his new teammates in Denver. His chance to play on good lines. Even my rookie season, I was playing with stall at the team’s practice facility is near what is one of the most (Joe Thornton) and (Joe Pavelski) and those guys and they gave me a gregarious sections of the dressing room next to Bellemare, Matt Calvert good chance to play. We made it to the (Stanley Cup) finals my first year, and former Sharks winger and well-noted Long Beach native Matt Nieto. so there’s a lot of good memories in San Jose.” Donskoi always has a smile on his face whether he is the one leading those conversations or simply listening. This is the answer Donskoi gave when asked to describe what it meant to play in San Jose. Something the Avalanche’s leadership core has sought to do is for the dressing room to feel like a welcoming place for new players who can be Playing hockey, however, was just one piece of what made living in the themselves. Bay Area special. He was a young man from a Finnish town so small that Raahe’s entire population could fit inside Levi’s Stadium and still have a “Yeah, we grind each other’s gears a lot of times but we love everybody little more than 43,000 seats remaining. It allowed him to experience for being different. We allow everybody to be different,” Avalanche American culture. To see what a new nation had to offer all while meeting captain and star left winger Gabriel Landeskog said. “It’d be a boring his fiancee. workplace if everyone was the exact same. Wherever you’ve been or wherever you are coming from, we want you to feel comfortable. At the Sunday has the capacity to be an emotional day for Donskoi. It will be the end of the day, all these guys who are in here are going to help us be a first time he returns to SAP Center at San Jose to face the Sharks since better hockey team. No matter their personality, their background, their leaving over the offseason to sign a four-year contract with the Colorado origin or what country you come from, it doesn’t matter.” Avalanche. The 27-year-old two-way winger was with the Sharks for four seasons and his maiden campaign with the Avs has seen him have As Landeskog says this, Donskoi is a few feet away doing an interview in success. He is earning top-six minutes for a Stanley Cup contender while Finnish within a dressing room capable of having conversations in also enjoying one of the best years of his career. Czech, English, French, Russian and Swedish break out at any time.

Donskoi has only scored twice in 2020 but his 15 goals are the most he Landeskog said Donskoi has been effective ever since training camp. has ever had in the NHL. He’s projected to finish the season with 19 The Avalanche knew they were getting a shifty forward who was hard to goals and has a chance to clinch his first-ever 40-point campaign. play against. What they did not see coming, however, was the level Donskoi reaches when it comes to constantly tapping into his work ethic. Let’s just say returning to an old home while having the strongest individual campaign of your career has become a theme for the “He’s just a true professional who comes to the rink and prepares every Avalanche this season. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Andre Burakovsky, day,” Landeskog said. “He’s a really good teammate and it’s been Valeri Nichushkin and Donskoi have all set personal bests in categories awesome having him and he fits in great.” like goals and points during their first campaign with the Avs. Donskoi said he doubts he will have a chance to spend time with his old “It’s going to be a lot of fun, I think. Lot of emotions. Lot of good teammates because the Sharks had a 4 p.m. game against the Ottawa memories playing in that arena,” Donskoi said of his return. “I met a lot of Senators only to turn around for the second game of the back-to-back nice people that I think are will be my friends for a lifetime. It’s going to be against the Avalanche. emotional, it’s going to be fun. I’m excited to get back. It’s been marked The plan is to just focus on the usual routine he has with the Avalanche on my calendar for a long time.” the day before a game as if he were in any other city. Thinking about his time in San Jose made Donskoi recollect on when he But San Jose, of course, is not just any other place on an NHL schedule. first moved to the United States. He remembered what it was like to work Donskoi conveyed that when discussing how much fun he had getting to toward gaining a stronger command of the English language while learn the area and checking out Monterey, Santa Cruz and San learning how to navigate one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Francisco. “Lot of traffic, a lot of highways,” he said with a smile.”Where I am from, Just don’t ask him whether he’s interested in taking a trip to Alcatraz there’s only one highway. Everything is a lot more expensive than anytime soon given he has already spent a lot of time there. Finland so that was a surprise for me too but I learned to like San Jose pretty fast and I enjoyed my time there.” Like, a LOT of time.

Another moment that made living in San Jose even more enjoyable was “I had a lot of family come visit from Finland, so, I think I went to Alcatraz meeting Devin Devine, who became his future fiancee. Donskoi said they like seven times because everyone wanted to see it,” Donskoi said. “This met one night when they were out with friends. is how it goes. We got to San Fran. We go see Golden Gate and then we go to Alcatraz. I think I did that seven or eight times when I was there.” They hit it off from there and have been together ever since. How many times did it take for Donskoi to go to Alcatraz upon realizing “We met there and that’s obviously one more reason why San Jose he could actually lead the tour himself? meant so much for us,” Donskoi said. “I think it was like the third time,” he said.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180258 St Louis Blues game, came with two seconds to go. That’s a point where the unit has to be cautious because with the penalized player about to come out of the box, the play can shift very quickly. (Bozak jokes that what’s best is scoring just after the penalty ends, because then you get a plus in your Blues second power-play unit has outshone first unit plus-minus.)

Berube says putting the second unit out first is an option, and he has done it, usually if players on the first unit have just had a long shift before Tom Timmermann the power play begins. But, the first unit has had some pretty good success at other points in the season and on some of the recent goals, the second unit has followed up the momentum built by the first unit. CHICAGO — When the Blues draw a penalty and go on the power play, coach Craig Berube sends out a unit filled with his top offensive players: “The first unit, or whatever you call it, they’re getting opportunities,” Brayden Schenn, Jaden Schwartz, David Perron, Ryan O’Reilly and Alex Berube said. “I thought that Petro had some real good shots from the top Pietrangelo. (against New Jersey). We can do a better job of screening the goalie and we didn’t do a good enough job of that. The game before that, they had And then about 75 seconds later, the second unit goes out and that’s some real good chances and just didn’t score.” when the goals are scored. Dunn suggested that maybe the second unit’s success is because the Over the past five games, the Blues are five for 13 on the power play, but first unit is wearing the penalty kill down, something that O’Reilly the four most recent goals have all been scored by the second unit: Zach dismisses. “Teams usually have quite a few penalty killers,” O’Reilly said. Sanford, Tyler Bozak, Colton Parayko AND Vince Dunn. The other “They’re just clicking right now. They’re finding a way to put it in the net member of the second unit, Robert Thomas, has assists on three of and it’s huge.” those goals. “It’s not always about scoring,” Dunn said. “It’s about creating momentum “They’ve been doing a great job,” Berube said after practice on Saturday and causing other teams to maybe panic a little bit. When we get our at the United Center. “I should probably start them more.” shot, we just try to make the best of it.”

“We could do a better job helping them out,” O’Reilly said. “It’s our turn on the other unit to put some in the net and make it easy on them.” St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 The second unit as currently constituted started to take shape at the start of February, when Parayko replaced Justin Faulk, and then was finalized after Sanford’s four-goal game earned him a spot. And after a short while, they took off.

By definition, the second unit only gets on the ice if the first team hasn’t scored. There are challenges for the second unit. They don’t get as much time as the first unit, and while the first unit is beginning its shift with an offensive zone faceoff, the second unit usually goes out on the fly, leading to them having to carry the puck in. That may leave them with only 30 seconds or so to get things done. But that may be what makes it work.

“We talk about it and try to be efficient as possible and get a good look right away,” Thomas said, “and then usually you don’t have enough time to move it around and set it all up and wait for the perfect look. Usually it’s about being efficient and making the most of our time.”

“We don’t try to make too many passes through guys, we just pass it around to whoever’s open,” Dunn said. “Having Thommer who can make a lot of plays and on the other side you have a guy who can really shoot the puck. My job is just to get it to one of those guys and take the shot when I can. There’s nothing really to it. I think everyone just does their job and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. … It’s all about getting pucks to the net and just trying to be desperate when we’re out there.”

The first unit has been known to spend time making one too many passes. The second unit takes a low-risk approach and their buzzword seems to be simplicity.

“I think we’re just keeping it simple, getting pucks toward the net,” Parayko said. “The last couple we’ve scored as a group we’re converging toward the net and good things happen when you go toward the net.”

“We’re really working together well, tight,” Thomas said. “We’re always making sure we’re outnumbering them two on one, three on two, stuff like that. I think that’s been a key to our success. We’re getting a lot of shots, Parry’s got that big bomb on the far side.”

Ah yes. Parayko’s shot. With the big defenseman being increasingly willing to crank up his slap shot, teams have had to pay increased attention to him. And that changes the equation.

“A lot of the teams are sitting on him,” Thomas said, “so it allows me and Dunner to have a two on one and make a play off that. He’s done a good job of finding the right areas and the puck tends to go to those areas and he’s burying them. Obviously a huge threat over there.”

“It kind of creates a little space for the rest of us,” Bozak said.

Two of those goals by the second unit have come in the dying seconds of the power play. Dunn’s against the New York Rangers came with six seconds to go. Sanford’s against Chicago, the game-winner in a 6-5 1180259 St Louis Blues

Blues notebook: Faulk doesn't practice, will be game-time decision for Blackhawks game

Tom Timmermann

CHICAGO — Justin Faulk, who missed the Blues game with New Jersey on Friday, could miss a second game with his upper-body injury. Coach Craig Berube said Faulk will be a game-time decision on Sunday, when the Blues face the Blackhawks at United Center.

Faulk didn’t practice on Saturday, and the team won’t have a morning skate on Sunday because of Daylight Savings Time and the early start.

“Hopefully he can go on the ice tomorrow,” Berube said, “and then make a decision if he’s a player tomorrow. He’s possible right now. If he’s not 100 percent, he’s probably not going to go.”

Faulk suffered the injury in practice on Thursday and was a game-time decision for the Devils game as well.

Regardless of Faulk’s status, Berube will make one lineup change, putting Mackenzie MacEachern in and taking out Jordan Kyrou. With the season fast approaching its conclusion and a hectic stretch starting, Berube is trying to make sure everyone plays. MacEachern last played on Feb. 23.

Blackhawks again

The three previous meetings with the Blackhawks this season have been nothing if not entertaining, with two big comebacks for the Blues. The game plan for the Blues this time out is for the game to be less entertaining.

“It’s kind of been shaky, a little bit of back and forth pond-style hockey,” defenseman Vince Dunn said, “and that’s not something we can play well. We know what they’re about. They like to make a lot of high-end plays. They don’t really go in straight lines all the time, they swing it all over the place and pulling off hitting late guys. It’s always a competitive game, it’s always an emotional game, like Nashville, Dallas, those types of games. They’re exciting for us to play in and our emotions need to stay intact and we just need to stick to our system right from the start.”

The Blues came back from three goals down to win one of the games and two goals down to win another.

“We need to get to our game first,” center Ryan O’Reilly said, “and we want to get off to a better start against these guys than we have in the past, giving them too much and having to come from behind. So I think we want to come out and match the intensity or take control of that game early with our details and such.”

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180260 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues at Blackhawks

Jim Thomas

When, where: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, United Center, Chicago.

TV, radio: NBCSN, WXOS (101.1 FM).

About the Blackhawks: Chicago had its four-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss Friday to lowly Detroit; it was the third game in four days for the Blackhawks, who are last in the Central Division (31-29- 8) but remain on the fringe of the Western Conference wild-card race with 70 points.

Patrick Kane is having another strong year with 31 goals, and rookie Dominik Kubalik is providing great support with 29. But Alex DeBrincat and Jonathan Toews are way off from their goal totals of last season. DeBrincat did score twice Thursday against Edmonton, but has only 18 goals this season compared to 41 last season. Toews scored 35 times last season but has only 18 this season. All told, the Blackhawks are 17th in scoring, averaging 2.97 goal per game.

The Blues will be trying to sweep the Blackhawks for the first time in franchise history, having won the first three games in the season series.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180261 St Louis Blues period, I thought we played our game, we really were aggressive, our D were hammering walls, we were reloading, we were doing all those things. We were working for each other. I didn’t think the first two periods were there with being connected, working for each other, second-man Faulk will be game-time decision for Blues on Sunday quick, things like that. We let them kill too many plays , we didn’t have any O zone time the first two periods. Third period we had a ton of O

zone time." Tom Timmermann

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 CHICAGO -- Defenseman Justin Faulk didn't skate with the Blues at their practice on Saturday at the United Center and coach Craig Berube said he would be a game-time decision for the game Sunday with the Blackhawks.

"Day to day," Berube said. "Hopefully he can go on the ice tomorrow, we'll see and then make a decision if he's a player tomorrow. He's possible right now."

Faulk was hurt in practice on Thursday in Newark and was a scratch on Friday night for the game with the Devils. That was the first game he had missed all season. With the time change and the earlier start (6:30 p.m.), the Blues won't have a morning skate on Sunday, so it won't be clear until about 5 p.m., if then, if Faulk can go.

"If he’s not 100 percent, he’s probably not going to go," Berube said.

With Faulk not skating, the Blues did their usual routine on the blueline, with Carl Gunnarsson with Alex Pietrangelo and Robert Bortuzzo with Vince Dunn.

After a sluggish offensive game on Friday which saw Berube mix his lines in the third period, he's going back to some tried and true lines. Ryan O'Reilly is back centering Zach Sanford and David Perron and Brayden Schenn is back at center with Jaden Schwartz and Sammy Blais on his wings, a combination that was on the ice for the Blues' second goal on Friday.

"Nothing was happening last game so I just switched them all up," Berube said. "Just trying to find a spark in the third period and we got a goal late which gave us an opportunity. A little too late, that’s all."

"We got a goal in the third," Blais said, "so we'll see what happens tomorrow. I'm excited for the opportunity for sure."

This may well be a sneak peak at what the lines will look like when Vladimir Tarasenko returns, with Tarasenko going in Blais' spot.

The only personnel change in the lineup will be Mackenzie MacEachern going in for Jordan Kyrou.

"There’s extra guys," Berube said. "I’ve been using guys and trying to get everybody involved."

With back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday, it's likely that Jake Allen will play against Chicago and Jordan Binnington will get the Florida game at Enterprise.

EYE ON THE HAWKS

The Blues can complete their first season sweep of the Blackhawks with a win on Sunday. If so, it will come in the 319th meeting between the teams.

The three games between the teams so far have had a wide-open feel. The Blues won 4-0 in Chicago on Dec. 2, came back from 3-0 down in the third to win 4-3 at Enterprise on Dec. 14, then the Blues won 6-5 on Feb. 25, coming back from deficits of 3-1 and 5-4.

"I think it’s just the makeup of the game," Berube said. "It goes back a long way, the rivalry. We obviously could do things a little bit better, our PK the last time we played them, we let them score three times. We obviously could do a better job there; stay out of the penalty box is another one. We can play tighter. We can do a better job of not getting into that run and gun game that they want to play."

FINAL JERSEY THOUGHTS

Because of weather issues, the Blues didn't get to their hotel in Chicago until close to 2 a.m. on Saturday morning. That made the long night of the game seem even longer.

"Overall, our puck play wasn’t great in the game," Berube said. "I don’t think the ice was great, but our execution was not very good. The third 1180262 St Louis Blues our best but we found a way to win. Come in here, we didn’t get the bounces tonight. They got the bounces.”

First instance, there was the goal by Mermis, a defenseman who had Blues' winning streak halted by rare loss to New Jersey been in the Arizona organization. He signed with New Jersey in the offseason and had been in the minors until the Devils’ trade deadline dealings opened some roster spots. This was his 18th NHL game.

Tom Timmermann He was being challenged by Pietrangelo and was skating the puck away from the goal when he turned and fired from the top of the left circle and

put it in off the post past a stunned looking Colton Parayko, who was in NEWARK, N.J. — The last time the New Jersey Devils beat the St. Louis front of the net. “That happens 15 times a game and it goes wide,” Blues was more than six years ago, on Jan. 21, 2014. Only three players Pietrangelo said. “When we’re winning and on a streak, we’re getting for the Blues who suited up on Friday night were in that game, including those bounces.” Alex Pietrangelo. Another goal from a defenseman, this time Connor Carrick, made it 3-1 “I was a lot younger then,” Pietrangelo said. with 2:02 to go in the second. His shot from the point again found its way through traffic and beat Binnington. Then it briefly looked like the Devils The Blues have aged well in the intervening years, but they couldn’t had gone up 4-1, but the Blues made a successful challenge of goalie extend either that streak, which was at 12 games, matching the franchise interference and the goal came off the board. record for wins against one team, or their current overall eight-game win streak. The Devils, the team that started the Blues’ win streak, were the For all their struggles, the Blues closed the gap to 3-2 on a goal by Jaden team that ended it, beating the Blues 4-2 at Prudential Center on Friday Schwartz with 3:11 to play and threatened to tie, but New Jersey got a night. late empty-net goal to seal it. Vince Dunn had a first-period power-play goal for the Blues’ other score. The loss potentially could have knocked the Blues out of first place in the Central Division, but Colorado's defeat by Vancouver several hours later One streak the Blues kept going was falling behind. This was the fifth kept the Blues two points up though with one less game to play. Both game in a row that they trailed. teams are in action again on Sunday, when the Blues play at Chicago “We didn’t execute very well with the puck,” Berube said. “Just a lot of and the Avalanche play at San Jose. bobbled pucks and missed passes. They were quicker than us all night. Considering that the Devils were the only team the Blues played in that We didn’t really get to our game tonight. The third period there for a while eight-game run that weren’t in or closely pursuing a playoff berth, they I thought we put pressure on them. They did a pretty good job for about were an unlikely candidate to end it, but that’s the way it goes. The goal 10 minutes in the third period.” that put the Devils ahead came from another unlikely candidate, Alton, Also coming to an end was Brayden Schenn’s five-game goal streak. Ill., native Dakota Mermis, whose first career NHL goal put New Jersey ahead in the second period. It was an unlikely night all around.

“It was a good little run, but it’s over now,” forward Zach Sanford said. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 “We’ll come into Sunday prepared and start a new one.”

The Blues’ recent games had been getting closer and closer. Win No. 6 came in overtime, Win No. 7 came in a shootout and Win No. 8 required the Blues to hold off some quality chances by the Rangers throughout. On this one, they fell behind again and couldn’t get back.

“It started in the Rangers game and I think it just carried over,” Pietrangelo said. “We’re not aggressive enough on the forecheck, not making plays out of their D zone, just giving the puck away. We’re just chasing the game, so it’s the same things as the Rangers game. We just weren’t able to grab it. We know that’s not good enough.”

For all the disappointment about seeing the win streak end, there was also the reality that the team had just won eight games in a row, regardless of style points.

“We put ourselves in a good spot,” Pietrangelo said. “It’s one game.”

“We played some real good hockey (in the streak),” coach Craig Berube said. “We won eight games in a row and we ended up not playing good enough tonight. You’re not always going to have your best game night in and night out. Tonight they were a lot better than us I thought.”

New Jersey won by getting to the net and blocking Jordan Binnington’s view of shots, while the Blues didn’t do the same thing to New Jersey’s Corey Schneider.

“I don’t think we were connected tonight,” forward Oskar Sundqvist said. “We didn’t help each other. That’s not our game and when we are not playing our game we’re not successful. We need to get back to being connected and being tight.

“We’re not in front of his eyes. If you’re not in front of the goalie’s eyes, he’s going to catch 10 out of 10 so we need to take his eyes away and get some bodies in front of him.”

This has happened before toward the end of some of the Blues streaks. In the final few games, there’s some imperfect play, but they keep on winning. Eventually, the wins turn into losses.

“A lot of times you go on these streaks and maybe you’re getting bounces and finding ways to win that maybe aren’t necessarily playing the way that you want to play,” Pietrangelo said. “We got away with one in New York. I didn’t think we played our game; I don’t think we played 1180263 St Louis Blues

Go east, young men: Blues' top farm team will be in Springfield, Mass.

Tom Timmermann

NEWARK, N.J. — The Blues have secured a new AHL affiliate, signing a five-year deal with the Springfield (Mass.) Thunderbirds that will start next season.

The Blues have been looking for a farm team since their current affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, was bought on Feb. 6 by the Vegas Golden Knights, who will move them to Las Vegas and use them as their farm team starting next season. Springfield had been the affiliate of the Florida Panthers; the four-year deal between those teams runs out after this season.

The Blues will have the same situation with Springfield as they did with San Antonio: The Blues will oversee the hockey side of the operation, providing players and coaches, while the local ownership will take care of the business side. (The San Antonio coaching staff will relocate to Springfield.) There are advantages to having a team in the northeast: travel is simpler — plane flights are rare — and travel time is greatly reduced, leaving more practice time. Southwest has nonstop flights between nearby Hartford, Conn., and St. Louis for when players are called up.

It’s the second time the Blues have had their farm team in Massachusetts. Their affiliate was in Worcester from 1995 to 2005 before the team was moved to Peoria, Ill.

The Blues have gone through a lot of churn in their farm system in recent years. The Thunderbirds will be their third affiliate in five seasons, with another season in which they didn’t have an affiliated farm team. The Blues farm team was the Chicago Wolves through 2016-17, but that relationship ended with the Wolves becoming Vegas’ farm team. In 2017- 18, the Blues didn’t have an affiliate when a planned AHL expansion team didn’t materialize and there was one less AHL team than NHL teams and the Blues were the odd team out. That led to a strange season with some Blues prospects in Chicago, some in San Antonio, neither of which situations the Blues controlled, and goalie Jordan Binnington being loaned to the team in Providence, R.I., so he could get games. In 2018-19, the San Antonio affiliation opened up and the Blues signed a five-year deal with the Rampage, but that deal ended early when the team was sold.

Though Springfield has had an AHL team since 1926, the Thunderbirds are in just their fourth season. The previous incarnation of Springfield hockey, which once employed a broadcaster named Chris Kerber, moved to Tucson, Ariz., and local businessmen bought the team in Portland, Maine, and moved it to Springfield.

“Springfield is a strong franchise in a city with a rich hockey heritage,” GM Doug Armstrong said. “Our partnership will allow us to continue to develop our players and further strengthen our franchise as a whole.”

Faulk has injury

Defenseman Justin Faulk missed the game with an upper-body injury, the first game he has missed his season. He is listed as day to day.

It’s unclear what Faulk’s injury might be, but he was injured in practice on Thursday. Faulk played 23:38 against the Rangers on Tuesday, the second most on the team.

Carl Gunnarsson, who had been on standby for the Rangers game while the team awaited word as to whether an ailing Colton Parayko could go, got in this time and was paired with Alex Pietrangelo.

Faulk’s absence leaves five Blues — Brayden Schenn, Jaden Schwartz, Vince Dunn, David Perron and Ryan O’Reilly — with perfect attendance records.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180264 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning win physical game against Bruins

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Earlier today

BOSTON — This game had it all. Line brawls, coaches thrown out, shorthanded goals, power-play goals, overstuffed penalty boxes, scrums and wrestling matches. The Bruins and Lightning delivered on entertainment Saturday night.

The Lightning avenged Tuesday’s loss to the Bruins, beating them 5-3 at TD Garden to finish the season series having won three of four against the league’s top team. But the win won’t be the lasting memory of this game. Even the two shorthanded goals scored by the Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Sergachev on a single penalty becomes a footnote after physicality took over the game.

“I think we’re starting to get a little bad blood here now,” said Pat Maroon, who played a seven-game Stanley Cup Final series against Boston last year. “I think we’re starting to stir the pot a little bit, which is fun going into meaningful games down the stretch.”

That this was a physical matchup surprises no one. Tuesday’s game in Tampa was also. But this one reached a different level.

The first attempted fight was 8:39 in, when the linesmen separated Lightning forward Barclay Goodrow and Bruins forward Chris Wagner. They squared off for real about two minutes later.

The peak of the physicality came with a line brawl in the final minutes of the second period. There was only one official fight, between Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and Maroon. But everyone paired off. Sticks, mouth guards and gloves flew everywhere, along with bodies.

When the metaphorical dust settled, 10-minute misconducts had been handed out to Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak and Bruins center Sean Kuraly, Lightning assistant coach Todd Richards had left the bench and a game misconduct was assessed to the Tampa Bay staff.

In the end, 26 penalties were called in the game, including four 10-minute misconducts (Lightning forward Blake Coleman and Bruins forward Nick Ritchie got matching calls at the end of the second period).

It was enough that you could almost forget about the rest of the game. After the Lightning opened the game with the two shorthanded goals for a 2-0 lead, Cedric Paquette added a third goal 6:50 into the second period before the Bruins got on the board.

Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy made it 3-1 at 14:50 of the second period, and center Sean Kuraly made it 3-2 with 1:23 left. On the latter goal, the puck got behind goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, center Brayden Point reached his stick across to throw the puck out, and the referee waved no goal. At the next break in play (when the line brawl broke out), the officials reviewed the goal and saw the puck had clearly crossed the goal line before Point got his stick on it.

Alex Killorn widened the Lightning’s lead with a power-play goal 1:08 into the third period. The Bruins responded when wing David Pastrnak scored a power-play goal at 6:37. Nikita Kucherov sealed the win with an empty- netter with 62 seconds remaining.

The Bruins went into the game with a nine-point lead over the Lightning atop the Atlantic Division. Even after this win and its four-point swing (the Bruins don’t get the potential two points, the Lightning add two), the Lightning would need to nearly win out in their final 14 games to catch them.

At this point, barring potential first-round upsets (a sore subject around these parts), the Lightning and Bruins are on pace to meet in the second round of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180265 Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL to close locker rooms to media due to coronavirus concerns

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Earlier today

BOSTON — The NHL plans to close all teams’ locker rooms to media due to coronavirus concens.

As the virus, officially known as COVID-19, continues to spread, the league is expected to send out a memo Monday instructing teams to close their rooms. All media access would be conducted by scrums and news conferences outside the rooms.

Some teams, including the Wild, Hurricanes, Flames and Rangers, closed their locker rooms Saturday in advance of the memo. The league left it up to individual teams for now. Those playing games this weekend need both teams to agree to close their rooms. The Lightning’s and Bruins’ rooms remained open for their game Saturday night.

The Lightning will follow the league’s direction but had not received official word. They play again Sunday in Detroit; there is no indication what the situation will be there.

Closing the locker rooms limits the players’ access to five to 25 members of the media on a given game night, depending on the market. The Lightning have about 10 external media members in their locker room after home games.

Addressing reporters in Sunrise, commissioner Gary Bettman said decisions are currently being made on the team level but the league is looking into a league-wide policy. He also said any changes will be temporary, due only to the coronavirus.

The league has already recommended players avoid physical contact with fans. The NHL has also discontinued work travel outside North America.

Officials previously expressed that the league would consider playing in empty arenas if it became necessary. The Sharks, however, have played two homes games, including Saturday, since the Santa Clara County (Calif.) Public Health Department recommended cancelling large gatherings like sporting events because of the virus. There are 24 reported cases in Santa Clara County.

There are three known cases in Tampa Bay and 11 in Florida. The Lightning have not yet made plans to change anything else at this time. They are on the road until Thursday.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180266 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning score two shorthanded goals on one penalty

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published 5 hours ago

BOSTON — The Lightning wanted to set the tone for Saturday’s game. Killing a penalty by not allowing one of the league’s best power plays a single shot is a good way to do that.

Oh, and scoring two shorthanded goals on that single penalty doesn’t hurt either. A penalty kill can’t get much better than that.

“Whenever you can do that at the beginning of the game, to get a two- goal lead on the same power play, that’s huge momentum for us,” Alex Killorn said.

Barclay Goodrow was called for elbowing five minutes into Saturday’s game. You could almost hear the collective groan from Lightning fans. This looked like the perfect opportunity for the Bruins (and their 25.1 percent power play) to seize control.

Instead it immediately went the other way.

Cedric Paquette won the initial faceoff to start the penalty. Anthony Cirelli grabbed the puck and took off up the ice. He beat winger David Pastrnak and had only defenseman Torey Krug between him and the net. Before Krug could try to force Cirelli to one side or the other, Cirelli released a wrist shot to put the Lightning on the board.

Just 62 seconds later, Mikhail Sergachev added another shorty.

Again, Paquette started things off, this time creating a turnover in the neutral zone as the Bruins tried to break out with the puck. Yanni Gourde batted the loose puck back into the offensive zone and chased it down. He turned and set up Sergachev in the slot for goal No. 2.

The Lightning’s penalty kill struggled in October, but then became one of the league’s most consistent units for the next four months. The kill was nearly perfect through the team’s 11-game winning streak.

Recently, Tampa Bay has taken more penalties and allowed more power-play goals, though still one or two a game. In the last two weeks, the unit has fallen back to average numbers, ranked 22nd over that stretch.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180267 Toronto Maple Leafs League Baseball’s teams play spring training games, and five confirmed cases in Arizona, where the other 15 teams hold camp.

No exhibition games have been cancelled, but MLB officials have sent a NHL starts closing dressing rooms to media to prevent spread of memo to all 30 clubs, advising players to avoid taking balls and pens coronavirus directly from fans for autographs as well as opting against handshakes during spring training. It previously announced it was limiting access to media members who have visited high-risk countries.

MARTY KLINKENBERG The coronavirus originated in China late last year and as of March 6, there were over 100,000 confirmed cases in 90 countries. The number of TORONTO confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada stood at 57 on Saturday, PUBLISHED MARCH 7, 2020 the majority being in Ontario, with 28, and British Columbia with 27.

UPDATED MARCH 7, 2020 The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with novel coronavirus, which is also known as COVID-19, as low. That risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. National Hockey League teams are beginning to close their dressing rooms to media as a means to prevent the spread of the novel The outbreak of the disease was a topic of discussion at NHL general coronavirus. managers’ meetings in Florida this week. The league has banned its employees from business travel outside North America and has Commissioner Gary Bettman on Saturday said the league would not mandated a two-week quarantine for anyone who does travel outside impose such a restriction but would leave the decision up to each of the that restriction. 31 teams. “We’re aware of what’s happening in other places in the world, and we How the coronavirus is impacting the world of sport understand that things may evolve or change, and we also understand If access to the dressing room is shut down, interviews with coaches and that we’re going to have to react to it in a professional and timely and players will be conducted in a more formal setting. At Scotiabank Arena, sensible basis,” Bettman said earlier in the week. “But I don’t think, as we Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe addresses media in a room adjacent sit here today, people should get too far ahead of themselves in terms of to the locker room following games. how they either react to this or report this. Let’s see how it all evolves.”

Earlier on Saturday, the New York Islanders closed off their dressing Tim Shipton, the senior vice-president in communications for the Oilers room to reporters after a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Entertainment Group, said Saturday that Edmonton’s hockey team was against the Carolina Hurricanes. monitoring the situation. Measures have been taken inside its home rink, Rogers Place, to enhance cleaning and hand-washing protocols. “We will, starting [today], pro-act to what we’re all going through to try and prevent as much potential associations with anybody who somehow “The safety of our guests and our people is the top priority, and we will do contracted something,” Islanders president and general manager Lou all we can to prevent the spread of illness,” Shipton said via email prior to Lamoriello said. “We cannot control the amount of press that go in the the Oilers’ home game on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. room who have credentials, who come from everywhere. It’d be different The Calgary Flames were off on Saturday but are scheduled on Sunday if we knew the people. to play at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Vegas Golden “What the league has done is given us many materials as far as what to Knights. do to prevent. What we have to do in our locker room, what we have to Peter Hanlon, the Flames’ vice-president of communications, said team do around everything we do.” officials would likely meet on Sunday to discuss what, if any measures, The Rangers announced before Saturday night’s game against the will be implemented. Devils at Madison Square Garden that their dressing rooms would also Writers and electronic journalists that cover NHL teams normally have be closed to the media. access to players after practice sessions, morning skates and following A state of emergency was declared in New York on Saturday after the games. After a short cooling-off period after games, reporters file in to number of cases of coronavirus rose from 44 to 76 overnight. The flu-like dressing rooms and question players either individually in front of their illness has killed more than 3,300 people worldwide and there have been stalls or in a group setting called a scrum. more than 100,000 cases across the globe. It was announced Saturday that the women’s world hockey Because of it, the NHL has banned international travel for league-office championship in Halifax and Truro, N.S., would be cancelled amid employees and told teams to prepare contingency plans in case the concerns over the spreading coronavirus. outbreak gets worse. Players have been advised to minimize contact with fans. Globe And Mail LOADED: 03.08.2020 During the second-period intermission on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, Chris Johnston, the senior hockey writer for Sportsnet, said the NHL is expected to impose a league-wide closure of dressing rooms to media within the next 48 hours.

The league has also asked clubs for possible dates when arenas will be available in the event games have to be postponed. It is also looking into neutral sites where games could be played if significant portions of North America were affected by the illness. Games would be played in empty arenas only as a last resort, Johnston said.

The NBA sent players a memo on Friday suggesting that they give fans a fist bump instead of a high five. They also told them to avoid items handed to them by fans for autographs like pens, markers, balls or jerseys.

Teams have been directed to begin to make contingency plans in case it becomes necessary to play games without fans or media, as sports leagues in Europe have already done.

As of Saturday, public health officials determined that there were nine confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Florida, where half of Major 1180268 Toronto Maple Leafs missing its top four defencemen, and the back-to-back involved a bus trip across Los Angeles that takes 45 minutes in reasonable traffic. Anaheim had twice Toronto’s shot attempts in the first period, 24-12, and the Leafs didn’t really break out much in an uneventful second. Maple Leafs have ‘one foot in, one foot out,’ according to Auston Matthews, and very little time to make up their minds Sure, they pushed when down a goal in the third period. Lots of teams do that. William Nylander’s goal with three minutes left was pretty good, and he had a very impressive week, even as this team fell on its face again.

By Bruce Arthur Sports Columnist And at the end of it, Matthews was direct, and present, and forceful.

Sat., March 7, 2020 “I think the teams that we played, their strategy and structure is more to just defend and push you to the outside and let you make the mistakes

first,” he said. “I think for us, we didn’t really challenge the middle, the ANAHEIM, CALIF.—At the end of Toronto’s near-empty California trip goalie didn’t really have too many tough saves to make. And I think that’s the dressing room was quiet but you could hear things, if you listened. kind of a bit of an issue for us right now. The Maple Leafs had just lost three games to three of the league’s worst “We got guys that are missing. Everybody’s got guys are missing, teams, if teams playing out the string with some pride. The Leafs are still (Anaheim) is missing a lot of their D-corps, so it’s no excuse. I think it’s in charge of their playoff destiny, but every game brought a different thing just stringing together 60 minutes, playing a complete game on both to fix. They feel, so often, like a mess. sides of the puck. I think when adversity hits, you’ve got to be better in So what did the Leafs tell themselves? What do you say when you’re responding, when the momentum shifts. But, you know, there’s really no supposed to be a Cup contender and you’re spending March finding excuses. different ways to disappoint? “I think we’re kind of, you know, one foot in the door, one foot out as far Well, coach Sheldon Keefe and forward Mitch Marner talked up how as the way we want to play. And I think we just all need to be 100 per Toronto had been able to play in low-scoring games, which sounds good cent in.” until you note that San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim are the 28th, Thirteen games left, and their best player is saying this team isn’t all the 29th, and 30th-highest scoring teams in hockey. Marner and centre way in. We can see it, they can feel it, and it’s what they are unless they Auston Matthews talked about how the power play has grown stagnant, can change it. It was a quiet week in California for the Maple Leafs. But which it has. Captain John Tavares talked about how they had adjusted some things echoed, and they felt loud. to Anaheim’s gritty style as the game went on. Great. They said that about the Kings, too.

But that was the surface stuff, the hope, an underwater search for glints Toronto Star LOADED: 03.08.2020 of light. The real stuff was there, if you listened. It sounded like a team that feels the pressure, that is trying to block out the noise they know surrounds them, and that is still not fully committed after 69 games of an 82-game season. It felt like a team carrying weight, without being sure how to carry it.

“We’re all in this together,” said Matthews, who gave away the puck that led to Anaheim’s winning goal in a 2-1 Leafs loss. “And I mean, you play through the good and the bad and the adversity, and obviously in the position that we’re in there’s lots of critics and lots of stuff that comes with it. But I think in this room we’re headstrong and it doesn’t matter what’s gonna get thrown our way. We’re going to we’re going to come out of it stronger.”

Marner mentioned the critics, too. He took a terrible, selfish, frustrated penalty late in the second period, two zones away from the puck, and swore it would never happen again. He kept saying there was no reason for the Leafs to put pressure on themselves, and so was asked if his team was feeling pressure.

“I don’t know,” he said. “You’ve got to ask them. As a team we’re trying to stay calm. I know media is a big part in the city that we play in, and I think for our team, it’s just about staying off the social media. People are just gonna try and get on us, and we’re a unit in here, we’re a team. We know what to say to each other, get ourselves going. This road trip’s over with now. Back home Tuesday, and ready to go again.”

Keefe mentioned the perception of this team, too, in trying to emphasize that they had played well defensively on a three-game trip that saw them score three goals.

“I mean, our team takes a lot of heat for how we defend, and what we give up, and how many goals we give up, and all those types of things, and how wide open the games are,” Keefe said. “We’ve focused a lot on that as a team, in terms of slowing a lot of that stuff down. And I think we’ve done that for quite a while here now.

“I think that the positives are that our guys will feel good about the fact that they’re playing in these tight games, and feel good about the fact on the back-to-back at the end of the trip here that we have our best period in the third.”

Which they did, until Matthews’ giveaway, which he says came because he thought a teammate would be in the slot rather than Anaheim’s Adam Henrique, and Matthews owned the mistake. But even in a third game in four nights, even with a defensive corps that included the newly healthy Cody Ceci and the bargain-bin Calle Rosen and was missing Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin, how can you oversell that game? Anaheim was 1180269 Toronto Maple Leafs

Campbell's belief in Leafs teammates, positive outlook not shaken

Terry Koshan

March 7, 2020 6:37 PM EST

Imagine if the Maple Leafs’ overall play properly reflected the perpetually sunny outlook of goaltender Jack Campbell.

Toronto might never lose again.

“I have belief — full belief — in this team as far as their goal-scoring ability,” Campbell said after the Leafs lost in Anaheim. “We’re a little snake-bitten right now.”

Does Campbell think he can help keep his teammates loose with his always-positive manner?

“I just think we have to believe in ourselves,” Campbell said. “The work is there, the skill is there, we just have to keep going. I know it’s going to come together and we’re going to be a great team.”

As is his way, Campbell took some responsibility for the 2-1 loss against the Ducks, saying he should have stopped a shot by Adam Henrique in the third period that stood as the winner. The goal was unassisted, coming after Henrique was gifted the puck by Auston Matthews.

“I take ownership of that,” Campbell said. “If I can see it, I expect myself to stop it every time and he just beat me clean. That one is on me and we should have had at least a point.”

We’re wondering how long it will be before Campbell starts to blame himself for not providing offence.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180270 Toronto Maple Leafs by the Lightning (and we acknowledge that making the playoffs is not a concrete guarantee for the Leafs).

There has been little to suggest the team, as it is constructed now, has Leafs' inconsistencies continue to be a problem as playoffs loom the fortitude to suddenly start playing sound, 60-minute hockey.

On that, and the up-and-down nature of the season, the win-a-few, lose- a-few way of going about their work, the Leafs have been consistent. Terry Koshan

March 7, 2020 6:33 PM EST Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020

When Kyle Dubas met the media following the trade deadline a couple of weeks ago, the Maple Leafs general manager dropped a few descriptions of his team that caught attention.

The one that resonated the most was Dubas’ reference to his Leafs team as a “Jekyll and Hyde” group, implying we could never be sure what we were going to see when the Leafs took the ice.

The Leafs won the next three games after the Dubas news conference on the afternoon of Feb. 24. They then went to California and lost their next three, scoring three goals in the process, and putting into sharp focus the manner in which their boss described them.

So we can’t say for sure how the Leafs will play when they meet the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday to begin the final 13 games of the 2019-20 regular season.

That has become this team’s identity, hasn’t it? While the Leafs can score (just not recently) and they’ve been improving under Sheldon Keefe on the defensive side, the club’s hallmark is its inconsistencies.

The Leafs have been able to keep a hold on third place in the Atlantic Division because the grouping doesn’t hold legitimate contenders once one gets past the Lightning and the Boston Bruins. Toronto is a middling 11-11-4 in its past 26 games, yet thank the hockey gods for the Florida Panthers, who have not been able to mount a true attack on third in the division.

At a time when the best clubs in the National Hockey League are putting the final touches in place for what they hope are long runs in the post- season, the Leafs found it to be an insurmountable challenge to beat the three bottom-feeders in the Western Conference in the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. It’s no secret that visiting teams can expect some physicality when they venture into California, but the trio of teams that call the state home are mere shells of the forces they have been in the past.

And the Leafs, boasting the three highest-paid players in the NHL in Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and John Tavares, couldn’t do a darn thing about it.

One of the more bizarre takes regarding the trip was provided by Marner after the loss in Anaheim on Friday night, and Keefe said something similar.

“On this road trip we showed that we can play in low-scoring games,” Marner said.

Said Keefe: “I think that the positives are that our guys will feel good about the fact that they’re playing in these tight games.”

Well, no. When teams demonstrate they can play in low-scoring games, you would like to think they can win them. Instead, the Leafs lost 1-0 in a shootout to Los Angeles and 2-1 to Anaheim, their lone goal coming from William Nylander with three minutes remaining in the third period.

There’s absolutely no way the Leafs — who travelled home on Saturday and will have an off-day on Sunday before returning to practice Monday — can feel good about anything on the trip, not when one point out of six was all that was gained.

We take that back. Jack Campbell continued to provide solid backup goaltending and Frederik Andersen was sharp in his start in Los Angeles.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t get more (than one point),” Tavares said. “But we have to turn the page and move forward. This is our circumstances, and there is no time to hang your head or feel sorry for yourself.”

Perhaps not yet. Perhaps the time for the Leafs to feel sorry for themselves will come in the latter half of April, when they have been eliminated from the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, presumably 1180271 Toronto Maple Leafs whom played with texture, than they are with Alex Kerfoot, Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci.

The first four games of the season, Norm Powell scored 23 points for the SIMMONS SUNDAY: Does Shanahan really believe in these Leafs? Raptors — 5.7 a game. The last four games, Powell has scored 109 Really? points — that’s 27.4 a game, including a career-high of 37 against Golden State. Everything about the Raptors seems incredible: Powell’s breakout is like the team itself, astounding and completely beyond expectation … Powell is not the only Raptor to have a career-high this Steve Simmons year. This is all you need to know about this group, discounting the March 7, 2020 6:29 PM EST rookies, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Chris Boucher, and Malcolm Miller have all had or tied career-high marks this season … I’m thinking Marc Gasol needs a minimum of 10 games played to be ready for the post-season … It’s a two-man race for the MVP Award in Brendan Shanahan can’t possibly believe his own words — being quoted the NBA: The old guy, LeBron James vs. the semi-young guy, Giannis as saying he has faith in the current construction of the Maple Leafs and Antetokounmpo. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle suggested the league would get this, truly believes they can still contend for the Stanley Cup this be wise to come up with two trophies and award both of them this season season. … My thoughts about Olympic participation has changed since the Now that’s a concern. coronavirus has broken out. If an NBA player or any other athlete for that matter, or anyone wants to stay home and be safe, it’s not our place to Maybe Shanahan, who doesn’t often speak publicly, chose his words tell them they can’t … Before the virus became everyday news, Kevin intentionally, or carefully, the other day in Los Angeles. This isn’t like the Durant let it be known he’d like to play in the Olympics. It takes about a days when MLSE boss Richard Peddie would say something about the year to fully recover from an Achilles tear. The July Olympics in Tokyo Maple Leafs and Pat Quinn would roll his eyes in disgust. There can be would have fit perfectly time-wise for Durant’s return to big-time power in Shanahan’s words. He’s a Hall of Famer, who has won more basketball. and accomplished more on the ice than anyone who plays for him. When he speaks, it matters, players listen, coaches listen, but the recent Jack Eichel is having a -like season in Buffalo. He leads the message is externally disturbing. Sabres in scoring. He’s 27 and 37 points better than his nearest teammates … If the Blue Jays are keeping flame-throwing Nate Pearson This Leafs team isn’t working. The construction isn’t right. The thought in the minors because they believe he’s not ready for the big leagues, I process, to put so much money into four players and so little into the rest buy that. If they are keeping him there because they don’t want to of the team, is failing. General manager Kyle Dubas, a personal choice of sacrifice a year of free agency, that’s junk. Fans deserve to see the best Shanahan’s, still relatively new to the job, should be under the gun as from the beginning of the season … The Red Sox traded Mookie Betts this disturbing season carries on rather aimlessly. and David Price, have lost Chris Sale for who knows how long and have Before the season began, Shanahan told me he wants the Leafs to be more injury list woes, the opportunity in the American League East is among “the eight teams” that have a chance to win the Stanley Cup suddenly growing … Why does Tim Tebow bother playing minor league every season. That’s a noble goal and he believed it to be attainable. baseball? Why doesn’t he just become full-time TV guy. He can ask Tony Romo about it. Apparently, it pays pretty well … So you’re a TV executive But what works on paper hasn’t worked on the ice. There have to be and you can choose to have Brian Burke and Elliotte Friedman on questions about John Tavares, currently and long-term. There have to be between periods of Leafs games or Todd Warriner and Colby questions about Dubas and his decision-making. There have to be Armstrong? Who are you picking … Bruce Bochy on the Astros’ sign- questions about whether Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are stealing scandal: “That’s a hard ring to wear.” … You know, it had to be a legitimate winners not just scorers — and if they’re not, what then for mistake that the Blue Jays tweeted out happy birthday to Reese McGuire Shanahan’s Leafs? And there have to be questions about Shanahan … XFL television ratings are like the current stock market. Everything’s himself, six fast years on the job, still waiting for a playoff run of some dropping rapidly … The Leafs have about $75 million accounted for in 16 kind. players for next season so the possibility of an $88-million salary cap gives them some breathing room. Among the Leafs’ problems right now Normally, Shanahan is the soundest, most aggressive, yet most is production per dollar: Name a player other than Hyman or Justin Holl, reserved, thinker in the Leafs organization. He likes to have his words and maybe Nylander and Campbell, who is playing beyond his dollar heard inside the organization, not outside. He’s very private that way. value.

But this has been a season of confusion for the Leafs. They show no It’s bad enough that the Ottawa Senators traded five-goal man Mika signs of contending for anything. For him to be delusional at this time, Zibanejad to New York in 2016 for Derick Brassard. They also sent a under these circumstances, does not serve the Maple Leafs president second round draft pick to the Rangers in the deal … Zibanejad and well. Artemi Panarin are the best two-man show in the Eastern Conference. The Marner goal in San Jose was spectacular and, in a way, rather Since Jan. 1, Zibanejad leads the NHL in goals and Panarin leads in telling of this Leafs season. The goal itself was special and fun. But if you points … Alain Vigneault is not just sneaking in to the coach of the year back up the play, it’s actually offside. It shouldn’t have counted. The high- talk in the NHL. He may be the clubhouse leader. John Tortorella, Mike flying Leafs scored just three goals in three West Coast games, and one Sullivan, Bruce Cassidy and Dave Tippett are all possible finalists for the of them should have been challenged … Here’s what I don’t understand: Jack Adams … If the NHL awarded three-point games for regulation The Leafs rather slow, mandatory drop pass, break-out on the power wins, the Rangers would easily be a playoff team. They’re the team play. They waste upwards of 20 seconds of every power play with a currently hurt most by the lousy loser point system … If you’re making a break-out that isn’t working. And they continue to do it over and over … movie about Ken Holland, doesn’t Daniel Craig have to play the lead? I Before the Leafs named a captain, there was talk of how much mean, look at them … By math, you should expect, on average, four leadership this team has. Between Tavares, Matthews, Morgan Rielly, points a game combined from Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Tavares. Zach Hyman, Marner, there was no shortage of leadership, the story The last 10 games, they’re averaging 2.8 points a game. The California went. So here we are, 69 games into the NHL season, and off the latest trip, 1.3 points a game … Happy birthday to Joe Carter (60), Edi embarrassing portion of this season, I ask a simple question: Where’s the Podivinsky (50), Larry Murphy (59), Rasmus Sandin (20), Bob Boughner leadership? The team is tied 2-2 in San Jose and only because Jack (49), Jeff Kent (52), Franco Harris (70), Lynn Swann (68), Hines Ward Campbell was terrific in goal heading to the third period. That’s when you (44), George Gross Jr. (68) and Jim Rice (67) … And hey, whatever need a point. That’s when you need to find a way. Instead, nothing. became of Mauro Gozzo? Three terrific games in goal and one point to show for it. Troubling … If When Mike Babcock was fired 23 games into this season, his record with I’m Tavares and I’ve got William Nylander on one wing and Denis Malgin the Maple Leafs was 9-10-4. The team had accumulating 22 points in 23 on the other wing, I’d want one change on my line … The games in Los games — and even by Babcock’s own standards, six points for every five Angeles and Anaheim were just about the best games Nylander has games played, it wasn’t good enough. played in four years as a Leaf … Mike Babcock didn’t think much of Pierre Engvall as an NHL winger. He may have been right … The Leafs In the Maple Leafs last 23 games under Sheldon Keefe, the team has were better with Connor Brown, Nazem Kadri and Ron Hainsey, all of gone 11-10-2. That’s 24 points in 23 games. That too isn’t good enough. In essence, there is a two-point difference between Babcock and Keefe in their last 23 games coaching the club. And in between, there was a giant piece of excitement, the initial bump that players have when a semi- unpopular coach is let go. That’s when Keefe couldn’t do anything wrong.

So what’s real, the first 23 games Keefe coached with the Leafs, where his record was a rather remarkable 15-5-3 — 117-point honeymoon pace? Or the past 23 games, where many of the same problems identified with Babcock’s team have resurfaced without answer.

Keefe’s first 23 games have the Leafs as an NHL power.

The last 23 games as an also-ran.

It makes you revisit two things: Was firing Babcock really necessary and is Keefe really the coach of the future for the Leafs?

I don’t often cheer for athletes but I was really hoping that Brandon Bridge would make it big in the Canadian Football League.

And it wasn’t like he didn’t try. He spent parts of two seasons in Montreal, then parts of three in Saskatchewan, then he signed with the Argos and was cut before last season started, then went back to Montreal, and late, he played the second half of one game for the B.C. Lions.

He gave it a shot — and then some. And in all, that rarest of sporting species, the almost extinct Canadian quarterback, started six games over five seasons, won half of them not seeking to make a history but trying to find a career that by extension would make history.

Russ Jackson is now 83 years old. He’s the legend, the last, maybe the only great, Canadian quarterback of our lives. Consider yourself fortunate if you had the chance to see him play. Since then, a name here, a name there, a start here, a start there, until Bridge came out of U.S. college football with all kinds of swagger and credentials.

Bridge threw for 14 touchdown passes in all, ran for four, and started a playoff game for the Roughriders. That’s basically his CFL resume. The playoff start was the first time a Canadian had done that since 1984. That was a mark of some kind, just not enough to keep him in a starting position.

On Friday, the Peel Regional Police announced that Bridge would be pursuing a career in police work. I felt happy for him to find a career and sad for all those who yearn to see a Canadian playing quarterback in a league that starts with the word Canadian.

How powerful a figure was the little brother, Henri Richard, with the Montreal Canadiens?

He was powerful enough in 1971, at the age of 35, in his 16th NHL season, to get benched and embarrassed during the Stanley Cup Finals, call out Al MacNeil as “the worst coach I’ve ever played for” and then come back and scoring the tying and winning goals in Game 7 to take home his 10th Stanley Cup.

Richard was powerful enough to set off a hockey firestorm during that playoff season that led to the firing of MacNeil after one season behind the Montreal bench. Imagine that? You win a championship and get shown the door? Just like that?

Even though MacNeil went on to coach the Flames and the Calgary team, with different coaches, played the Canadiens twice in the Stanley Cup Finals, Richard didn’t really meet up with MacNeil again until 2006 — 35 years after their much ballyhooed confrontation.

“I met him and it turns out he was a hell of a good guy,” Richard said at the time. MacNeil, who has spent four decades with the Flames in a variety of capacities. apparently held no grudge against Richard.

The Pocket Rocket passed away the other day at the age of either 84 or 21, depending on how you count birthdays. He was a leap year baby. He won almost as many Stanley Cups, 11, as he celebrated actual birthdays. That’s a number no one will ever reach again, and probably no one will ever come close to it.

Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe and Glenn Anderson won six Cups combined between Edmonton (5) and New York (1). Pretty certain no one will do that. Catching Richard — that’s not even a possibility.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180272 Toronto Maple Leafs The Leafs fell to 2-8-3 in the second game of back-to-back sets, as Anaheim built a 2-0 lead only to see William Nylander get the Leafs on the board with three minutes left when he beat Ryan Miller with a low shot. Leafs end California trip with another offensively challenged loss Adam Henrique scored the winner at 10:20 of the third, grabbing a Matthews turnover and beating Jack Campbell to the goalie’s right.

Terry Koshan The Ducks managed to beat the Leafs without several key defencemen, including Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler. March 7, 2020 8:11 AM EST Are the Leafs feeling pressure in regard to the standings? With 13 games

remaining, they have a five-point lead on the Florida Panthers for third in ANAHEIM — What a long, strange, bad trip it was. the Atlantic Division. Florida has 15 games left.

Check that. “I don’t know,” Mitch Marner said. “As a team, we’re trying to stay calm. I know media is a big part in this city we play in and I think for our team it’s The Maple Leafs’ swing through California wasn’t necessarily long, just about staying off the social media. the normal three-games-in-four-nights that usually make up the tour through the state. “People are going to start getting on us. We’re a unit in here. We’re a team. We know what to say to each other to get ourselves going. This Strange? Yes. The Leafs couldn’t score. Bad? You bet. The Leafs road trip is over with now, we’ll be back home Tuesday and ready to go couldn’t score against the three worst teams in the Western Conference. again.”

The Leafs’ 2-1 loss against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at the GAME ON Honda Center capped a week in which Toronto gained one point in three games, following a 1-0 shootout loss in Los Angeles and a 5-2 loss in Miller came into the game during the stoppage after Henrique’s goal San Jose. when starter John Gibson departed with an undisclosed injury. Gibson stopped all 26 shots he faced … The NHL needs to re-write its unwritten That’s three goals in nine periods, with two coming in the second period code, or at least part of it. Leafs winger Kyle Clifford bowled over David in San Jose. Backes with a clean hit along the boards in the second period, and seconds later, was engaged in a fight by Anaheim’s Nicolas Deslauriers. “It’s an interesting road trip,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. “If you’d A player shouldn’t have to defend himself after hitting an opponent ever think that our team would give up two goals in two games and only cleanly. If that’s the kind of thing that is keeping fighting in the game, then come away with one point, you’d probably think we were talking about a by all means, eliminate it. And no instigator penalty for Deslauriers … different team, but that’s the reality. Marner took a selfish penalty when he tripped Sam Steel approximately “The offence dried up for us, a lot of things that have been going in for us 10 feet from referee Kelly Sutherland late in the second. On the power didn’t on this trip and we don’t get results.” play, Campbell lunged forward to make a heck of a glove save on Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf. “Just stupid on my part,” Marner said. “Frustration Auston Matthews, who scored one of the three Toronto goals this week, took over there, but that’s the last time that happens. I’m better than was forceful in his post-game comments on Friday. that.” … Carter Rowney got the opening goal when he slipped a loose “We’re all in this together,” Matthews said. “In the position that we’re in, puck past Campbell at 3:17 of the first. The newly formed defence pair of there’s lots of critics and lots of stuff that comes with it. But I think in this Cody Ceci, back after missing 14 games because of a sprained ankle, room we’re headstrong, and it doesn’t matter what’s going to get thrown and Calle Rosen happened to be on the ice. A motionless Ceci had a our way, we’re going to come out of it stronger. perfect view as Rowney put the puck over the line … Shots on goal in the first were 13-8 for the Ducks, but the Leafs made their total look better “Obviously, it was not the road trip that we really wanted. So, that’s on us with a flurry toward the end. Shots on goal in the second also were 13-8 and we’ve got to just build forward and put this aside, learn from it and be in favour of the Ducks. The game ended 31-28 for Toronto. better.

“I think we’re one foot in the door, one foot out as far as the way we want to play, and I think we just all need to be 100% in. When adversity hits, Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.08.2020 we have to be better at responding when the momentum shifts. But there is really no excuses.”

Something captain John Tavares said after the game twigged, and it could paint a larger picture of what looms for the Leafs.

They would like to think they have been playing playoff-type hockey for a while, considering they don’t have a spot in the Eastern Conference locked up.

The Leafs have some great talent, but as the games this week mostly featured little room, the Toronto players had no answer. And that’s against the teams that occupy the basement in the West.

What will the Leafs do when they face clubs such as Tampa Bay, which visits Toronto on Tuesday, and others that are legitimately good? If the Leafs can’t solve non-playoff teams, how do they expect to get the better of teams heading for the post-season?

“It’s that time of year,” Tavares said. “Things get tighter. You don’t have as much room as maybe you get at times throughout the season, and we just have to find a way to get second and third opportunities, get a couple of ugly ones.”

Will there be a challenge for Keefe to keep his team’s spirits up?

“Our team takes a lot of heat for how we defend and what we give up and how many goals we give up and all those types of things and how wide- open games are,” Keefe said. “We’ve focused a lot on that as a team, in terms of slowing a lot of that stuff down. I think we’ve done that for quite a while … but we’ve got to find ways within that to generate offence.” 1180273 Vegas Golden Knights “We’ve been building a good thing here. Obviously last game was a bit of a setback, but we’ve found ways to respond from games like that in the past.”

Back-to-back games crucial for Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.08.2020

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

March 7, 2020 - 6:35 PM

Updated March 7, 2020 - 7:11 PM

CALGARY, Alberta — Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer downplayed the importance of his team’s upcoming back-to-back, noting they can’t clinch or lose a playoff spot based on the results.

But make no mistake, the next two games starting Sunday against Calgary at Scotiabank Saddledome could have a major impact on the Pacific Division race and playoff picture in the Western Conference.

“You just have to pick up the paper and look at the standings and see how they change nightly to see that,” DeBoer said after practice Saturday. “We’ve got a smart group. I think we know what’s at stake. We knew we weren’t going to win out going to the end of the season. There’s going to be some tough games, and everybody’s desperate.”

The Knights lost two of their past three after an eight-game win streak and entered Saturday’s games with a two-point lead in the division over Edmonton, which hosted Columbus late.

Should the Knights sweep the next two games against the Flames and Oilers on Monday, they would hold at least a four-point advantage over second-place Edmonton in the division race.

If the Knights then played .500 the rest of the way and accumulated 11 points from their final 11 regular-season games, Edmonton would need to pick up 16 points from its final 12 games to overtake them.

Calgary, with 79 points, would need 19 points from its remaining 12 games to catch the Knights in the aforementioned scenario. Vancouver, which has two games in hand on the Knights, would need 22 points in its final 15 games.

The Knights’ magic number to clinch a playoff berth was 23 points entering Saturday.

“It’s big games, division games, four-point games,” defenseman Brayden McNabb said. “Our division is so tight. Everyone knows that. If you can create some separation somehow, it’ll be huge. Division games are going to be really important from here on out, so we need to be sharp and be ready for them.”

The Knights weren’t sharp to open their five-game road trip, losing 4-0 on Friday at Winnipeg when they fell behind in the opening 32 seconds and trailed 3-0 after the first period.

It was the third time in four games the Knights allowed a goal on the opposition’s first shot and fourth straight game they’ve trailed or been tied at the end of the first period.

With each passing game, it’s obvious how much the Knights miss injured right wing Mark Stone.

“He’s such a big presence for us with everything he’s doing on the ice and off the ice,” forward Nicolas Roy said. “Of course we miss him, but we’ve got to find a way to do next man in.”

Penalty killing also remains an issue, as the Knights successfully killed 68.1 percent of opposing power plays since the All-Star break, the third- worst percentage in the NHL behind Ottawa and Dallas.

Calgary ranked 13th overall on the power play at the start of play Saturday, while Edmonton led the league at 29.8 percent. No team has finished a season with a better power-play success rate since the 1978- 79 New York Islanders (31.1 percent).

“We kind of knew that this part of the schedule should have been circled for most of us because of the importance of the points and the way things have gone,” Knights leading scorer Max Pacioretty said. “At the same time, we’ve just got to worry about our game. Can’t get caught up in that. Can’t lose our focus on what’s really important. 1180274 Vegas Golden Knights The Philadelphia Flyers appear to be surging at the right time. They’ve won eight straight to pull into a tie for first place in the

Metropolitan Division. The Flyers have the fourth-best points percentage Emergency backup goalie debate resurfaces in NHL in the league (.704) and are scoring the most goals per game (3.74).

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.08.2020

March 7, 2020 - 5:35 PM

Marc-Andre Fleury and Pete DeBoer can’t help but see emergency backup goaltenders differently.

Fleury sees a man fulfilling a lifelong dream. DeBoer sees two points in the hands of a non-NHL player. Their dueling perspectives illustrate the debate around emergency backup goalies — affectionately known as EBUGs — in the league.

Some love them. Some don’t want them. But they’re sticking around for now, as the NHL’s general managers decided to not change their policy regarding them at their annual meetings this past week.

“I’m sure for them it’s a way to fulfill a childhood dream, right?” Fleury said. “I just put myself in their shoes.”

EBUGs jumped into the spotlight Feb. 22 when Carolina Hurricanes goaltenders Petr Mrazek and James Reimer were injured in the same game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thus, per NHL rule 5.3, the Hurricanes were “entitled to dress and play any available goalkeeper who is eligible.”

That became 42-year-old David Ayres, a Zamboni driver for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. He stopped eight of the 10 shots he faced to help the Hurricanes win 6-3 and became an overnight sensation.

“That was awesome,” Fleury said. “I like how he started rough a bit but battled and stuck with it.”

Not everyone saw it that way. DeBoer saw the Hurricanes, a team fighting for a playoff spot, putting the fate of their season into untested hands.

“I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose two important points because the Zamboni driver goes in net and doesn’t make the saves he made last time,” DeBoer said. “The league, there’s so much parity and so much work that goes into fighting and scratching and clawing for these playoff spots. It would be a real tough thing to take to lose a spot due to that. But I don’t know the answer.”

The general managers didn’t have a solution, either, which is why they aren’t making any changes to the rulebook. EBUGs enter the game so rarely — Ayres was the first one in history to register a decision — that a new policy might have been an overreaction.

It’s usually a good thing for the league when they play, too. Ayres has generated a massive amount of publicity for the NHL, including a “Today” show appearance Feb. 24. So for now the door will remain open for another Zamboni driver to take the league by storm.

The Golden Knights’ emergency backup goalie is unknown. AT&T Sportsnet analyst Mike McKenna, who played 35 career NHL games, has practiced with the Knights occasionally but isn’t an EBUG for games.

International Women’s Day

NBC Sports will utilize an all-female crew to broadcast Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. game between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks on NBC Sports Network in honor of International Women’s Day. It will be the first NHL game broadcast and produced solely by women in the U.S.

The on-air talent will include three-time Canadian Olympic gold medalist Jen Botterill as a studio analyst and U.S. gold medalists Kendall Coyne- Schofield and A.J. Mleczko as in-game analysts.

“We aren’t just bringing women together for the sake of bringing women together,” said producer Kaitlin Urka, who pitched the idea. “These are professionals who are some of the best at what they do and do these jobs on a regular basis. International Women’s Day just gives us a unique platform to celebrate their great work.”

Flyers coming on strong 1180275 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights close locker room to media amid coronavirus fears

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

March 7, 2020 - 3:18 PM

Updated March 7, 2020 - 3:30 PM

CALGARY, Alberta — The Golden Knights were one of the NHL teams to close their locker room to the media Saturday out of concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

The Knights held media availability at a designated area outside the locker room following Saturday’s practice at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Other organizations, including the San Jose Sharks, announced they also were restricting locker room access. It is unclear whether the Knights will maintain the policy for the remaining four games of their road trip and beyond.

The Knights did not release a statement clarifying their policy and referred all questions to the league office.

Several reports Saturday indicated the league mandated that teams close their locker room to media on a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though an NHL spokesperson indicated that was incorrect.

“We have not mandated a change with our clubs to this point on access to locker rooms,” the spokesperson wrote in an email to the Review- Journal. “We are discussing with other sports leagues (in consultation with infectious disease and public health experts) best ways to protect the health of everyone in our buildings, including those typically in our locker rooms.”

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Golden Knights’ Cody Glass undergoes season-ending surgery

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

March 7, 2020 - 1:56 PM

Updated March 7, 2020 - 4:50 PM

CALGARY, Alberta — Cody Glass’ injury-riddled rookie season is over.

The Golden Knights forward underwent surgery on his right knee and will miss the remainder of the season, coach Pete DeBoer said Saturday.

DeBoer said he expects the 2017 first-round pick to be ready for training camp in September.

“(It’s) unfortunate, but excited about him getting back next training camp,” DeBoer said. “That’s my understanding of the time frame. He’s done for this year.”

Glass was injured Feb. 20 while playing for the Chicago Wolves in an American Hockey League game. He collided with Grand Rapids forward Michael Rasmussen about six minutes into the game and struggled to skate to the bench after the play.

Glass, who turns 21 on April 1, injured his left knee while playing with his major-junior team last season and battled through at least two separate injuries this season with the Knights.

He sustained a concussion Dec. 8 after catching an elbow to the back of his head from New York Rangers left wing Brendan Lemieux and missed eight games.

Glass also injured his right knee Jan. 4 in the third period against St. Louis when he got tangled up with Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and was sidelined for 14 games.

In 39 games with the Knights, Glass produced five goals and 12 points.

An all-female broadcast team will cover the game between the Knights and Calgary Flames on Sportsnet in Canada as part of International Women’s Day.

Leah Hextall will serve as the play-by-play announcer and will be joined by analyst Cassie Campbell-Pascall, who captained the Canadian women’s ice hockey team to the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and reporter Christine Simpson. The production crew also consists exclusively of women.

Knights prospect Jack Dugan’s season was extended by at least a week, as Providence qualified for the Hockey East Association playoffs.

The Friars will play a best-of-three series that starts Friday against top- seeded Boston College.

Dugan leads the NCAA in scoring, and the Knights are expected to make a strong push to sign the sophomore when his season ends.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180277 Vegas Golden Knights But the Golden Knights don’t just own the center of the ice in the offensive zone.

According to Sportlogiq, Vegas allows the fewest number of shot Golden Knights control the center of the ice better than any team in attempts from the slot against at only 18.9 per 60 minutes at even hockey strength. That means Vegas averages 6.2 more slot shots per game than its opponents.

Over a full season, that is a massive edge. With 3,301 minutes of even By Jesse Granger strength hockey played thus far, the Golden Knights have created approximately 341 more slot shot attempts than they’ve allowed. Mar 7, 2020 It’s partially because Vegas doesn’t spend a ton of time in its own zone.

The Golden Knights allow opponents to possess the puck in their zone The house is sacred in hockey. only 5:08 per game, which is the fourth-lowest in the NHL. And when they are hemmed in their own end, the team does a spectacular job of It’s the area located in the center of the ice in each offensive zone. Draw keeping the puck to the outside. a line from the net mouth to each faceoff dot, then to the top of the faceoff circle and across perpendicular with the blue line. It makes the “I think our positioning,” defenseman Shea Theodore said. “The system, shape of a house, hence the name. since Pete (DeBoer) came in, has been very strict, but very good for our game.” It’s also referred to as the “high percentage scoring zone” because shots coming from this section of the ice are much more likely to end up in the Since Feb. 1, the Golden Knights rank first in the NHL in scoring chances back of the net. To be even more specific, the area between the faceoff against, high danger scoring chances against and expected goals circles is called “the slot” and shots from there are the best chances an against. That’s because they are keeping the puck out of the slot in their NHL team can get. own zone.

Teams that create the most shots from the slot, while allowing the least “We’ve been protecting (the center of the ice) a lot more,” Theodore said. shots against from the slot, typically win. No team in the NHL does either “On some of our breakouts we’ve been having our low center and our better than the Vegas Golden Knights. defenseman stay in front of the net, and hanging on a little bit longer. Sometimes that keeps the puck out of the middle. I know sometimes we According to Sportlogiq, the Golden Knights lead the league with an were forcing plays into the middle, and then you give up prime time average of 25.1 slot shot attempts per 60 minutes at even strength. opportunities. We’ve been doing a better job of working the puck out. A That’s nearly one shot attempt from the high danger area every two couple things have tightened up our game and are eliminating those minutes and is 4.1 higher than the league average. chances (against).”

No team in the league creates more offensive chances than Vegas. It’s a great time of the year for Vegas to tighten its defensive game, and Whether it’s the top line of Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith and Paul DeBoer knows that. Stastny — which creates most of its chances through cycling the puck in the offensive zone — or the equally potent trio of William Karlsson, Mark “The bottom line is, when it all comes down to the end, you’re not Stone and Max Pacioretty – which does most of its damage on the rush outscoring the other team when the games get real important, you have — the Golden Knights are an offensive juggernaut when it comes to to defend,” he said. “Games are 2-1, 3-2. You look at the scores in the getting the puck into dangerous areas. (Stanley Cup) final over the years, and there are a lot more of those games than there are 6-5. So we have to be comfortable in those games Vegas ranks only seventh in the league in passes to the slot, meaning a and have to make a commitment to be able to play in those games.” higher percentage of its slot shots are coming from players skating themselves into that area with the puck. The Golden Knights have a Shot location isn’t everything, but it’s a major determining factor in bounty of talented puck handlers who can dance their way through a winning hockey games, and the Golden Knights control the center of the defense, creating dangerous chances all on their own. ice on both ends better than any team in the league.

It’s why the team looks so dominant analytically. “I think the guys have done a good job of understanding that,” DeBoer said. “We try to hammer that home on a daily basis, that it has to be a Vegas ranks first in high danger scoring chances (681), third in total foundation for us.” scoring chances (131) and first in expected goals for (147.62) this season. That’s because those statistics are generated based on shot location. There are also other factors, like whether or not the shot came The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 on a rush chance or was the result of a rebound, but shot location plays the largest part in the calculation. The Golden Knights get shots from dangerous areas on the ice, more than any team in the NHL.

“We’ve got a group that can score,” coach Peter DeBoer said, “so when the puck goes in the net it usually results in wins for us.”

The actual goal numbers haven’t been quite as impressive for Vegas, ranking ninth in the league with 146 even strength goals, however, that has changed recently. Since Feb. 1, the Golden Knights have scored the fourth-most even strength goals in the NHL at 39.

“Everybody is buying in,” Marchessault said. “A couple months ago we weren’t playing good hockey, and when you’re in a slump like that, it’s about everyone jumping in the same boat, getting on the same page.”

It’s no surprise when you look at the lineup. Pacioretty, who recently topped the 30-goal mark for the first time in three years, has one of the quickest releases in the sport and can score from just about anywhere. Stone, Karlsson and Marchessault are equally skilled passing and shooting the puck, and Smith is having a career year with 27 goals already.

Add to that a host of bottom-six forwards who have contributed more than their share of offense: Chandler Stephenson is shattering his career numbers since coming over from Washington in a trade, and William Carrier has already more than doubled his career-high for points in a season (19). 1180278 Washington Capitals “I would rather have it this way than have a hot start, then look for something,” Panik said.

Both of his points Saturday came in one of the Capitals’ most complete Capitals power past Penguins with one focus: ‘This is the way we have to first periods since the holiday break. They started the scoring with a play’ fourth-line strike by Dowd 1:52 into the game. It was a skillful passing sequence that started with Panik to Garnet Hathaway and finished with a snipe from Dowd, who was wide open in front.

Samantha Pell “Just be responsible and play good defense and so on and so on, and it leads to offense like it did tonight,” Dowd said. “We’re not going to show March 7, 2020 at 5:24 PM EST up on the stat sheet every night, but we are going to do the little things.”

Washington scored the first goal for the third consecutive game and PITTSBURGH — The music was blaring from the visiting locker room at finally was able to take advantage. After the Capitals killed off a PPG Paints Arena, wide smiles were plastered on players' faces, and dangerous and lengthy five-on-three from an interference call on jokes were being cracked. Brenden Dillon and a minor for too many men on the ice, their top-six forwards emerged. The Washington Capitals had just defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-2, in front of a packed matinee crowd to remain atop the Metropolitan Backstrom tacked on the team’s second goal of the period at 16:15 with Division standings. For a group struggling to play a complete, 60-minute a nice rush goal off a feed from Jakub Vrana. It was Backstrom’s 12th game, the win meant more than just two points. goal of the season and his first since Feb. 13 against the Colorado Avalanche. On Saturday, if only for a game, the Capitals got closer to their identity as they halted a two-game skid that resulted from high-stakes contests on Panik capped off a Capitals-heavy first period with his ninth goal of the back-to-back nights against the Philadelphia Flyers and New York season. The team’s second fourth-line goal of the game again Rangers. exemplified skillful passing execution, from Dowd to Nick Jensen to Panik on the breakout. “I think the win means a lot, but I think the way we played means more,” winger T.J. Oshie said. “I think this was a good game for us to feel kind of With a 3-0 lead and firm control of the game’s opening 20 minutes, the how it usually feels in this room, with everyone working for each other, Capitals carried the momentum through the final 40, breaking their losing everyone working hard, playing hard, [Braden Holtby] obviously being streak and trying to spark a run as the postseason looms. great in the net there again. So this is something we can build on.” “We have been fighting for a while here, and hopefully the hard work The Capitals (41-20-7) will finish their three-game road trip Monday pays off with our refocus and a good game in Buffalo,” Holtby said. against the Buffalo Sabres. The team has three divisional games among its remaining 14 regular season matchups. Washington Post LOADED: 03.08.2020 The Capitals looked dominant early, jumping out to a 3-0 first-period lead, but struggled late with penalties. Up 4-1 in the third period, Washington took its seventh minor penalty of the game, which resulted in an Evgeni Malkin power-play goal at 12:16. Less than a minute later, Oshie responded with a tally in front, his 26th of the season, to hold off the Penguins.

“I think we came out with better urgency from the start and all over the ice. We were more aggressive; we were hungry out there,” Nicklas Backstrom said. “I mean, if you look at the last month, this is the way we have to play. Consistency, we got to play with good confidence out there.”

Nic Dowd led the Capitals’ offense with the first multi-goal game of his career and tied his career high with three points (two goals, one assist). He entered in a 24-game goal drought.

Holtby again was strong, making 26 saves, including one on a penalty shot by Jared McCann in the second period. It was his fifth career penalty-shot save. With his 25th win of the season, Holtby is on pace to become the 10th goaltender in NHL history to record six consecutive seasons with 30 wins.

“It is one game,” Holtby said. “We got to take it as a win, but we need to move on and keep getting better.”

The Penguins nearly scored late in the middle frame on a breakout, but the Capitals kept them at bay by hustling back, getting an alert play by Holtby to kick out the puck and benefiting from a favorable scramble in front.

After a strong first period and a fiery, physical second period that resulted in no goals for either side, the third period provided more fireworks. Dowd made it 4-0 with his second goal of the afternoon, a shorthanded tally only 34 seconds into the final frame.

The Penguins then started their inevitable late-game push, responding with a tally from Sidney Crosby at 5:09. But with the teams trading goals, they could not complete the comeback.

Standout individual play continued to be a story line for the Capitals, who are also seeing a breakthrough by Richard Panik. Panik has been on a hot streak since Ilya Kovalchuk’s arrival at the trade deadline pushed him down to the fourth line. With a goal and an assist against the Penguins, Panik has six points (two goals, four assists) in the past four games. 1180279 Washington Capitals Jared McCann had the best opportunity of the period as he was awarded a penalty shot for a hook from Jonas Siegenthaler. Holtby gave McCann no room to shoot and denied him with the pad stop.

Fourth line comes through in dominant win over Penguins Obviously the first period was the stronger one for Washington, but not allowing Pittsburgh to score in the second was absolutely crucial to preventing the Penguins from getting back in this game.

By J.J. Regan Two critical third-period goals

March 07, 2020 3:45 PM You can pretty much guess what the message in the locker room was for Pittsburgh prior to the third period. Down 3-0 with a power-play to start

the third, you knew the Penguins were telling themselves 'we're right Boy did they need that. The Capitals scored three goals in the first period back in this if we get a goal.' and dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday for a massive Dowd, however, put an end to that with a shorthanded goal just 34 Metropolitan Division win. The win snaps a two-game losing streak and seconds into the final frame. Carl Hagelin broke the puck out as gives Washington a two-point lead over the Philadelphia Flyers atop the Pittsburgh was caught too deep, giving him a 2-on-1 with Dowd. Hagelin division enetring the Flyers game Saturday night against Buffalo. faked a shot and then passed it to Dowd who potted his second goal -- Here is how the Caps won. and third point -- of the game.

The fourth line Give credit to Pittsburgh. The Penguins didn't go away. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin both scored to make it 4-2 and you could see the Since Richard Panik was moved down to the fourth line, that line has makings of a huge comeback or an utter collapse coming. Oshie, taken off again as it did earlier in the season. The fourth was however, ended those hopes scoring from the slot to make it 5-2. Washington's best line on Saturday and got the game off to a great start as Nic Dowd scored less than two minutes in.

Panik charged the offensive zone to retrieve a puck in the corner. He Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 beat out the defense and fed Garnet Hathaway who was behind the net. Hathway then set up a wide-open Nic Dowd in the slot for the one-time goal.

The fourth line tallied again late in the period as Justin Schultz stepped up to try to keep a puck in the offensive zone, but the puck trickled past him and Dowd picked it up to launch a 2-on-1. Rather than trying the cross-ice pass, Dowd instead dropped it to a trailing Nick Jensen. The reactive Penguins lost track of Panik who was with Dowd on the 2-on-1. Jensen passed to him and Panik was able to shoot it past a sprawling Matt Murray.

A huge penalty kill

Limiting penalties was a major point of emphasis in this game after the Caps practically handed the New York Rangers the win on Thursday by their inability to stay out of the box. So, of course, Washington had to kill off 1:25 of a two-man advantage less than halfway into the first.

Brenden Dillon was called for interference and the Caps were soon caught with five men on the ice on the penalty kill and Pittsburgh had a chance to tie the game at 1 and regain momentum. Instead, Washington came up with a huge penalty kill, keeping the Penguins off the board.

Penalties were still a problem for the Caps. They took five of them, but this time the penalty kill was able to bail out the team, keeping Pittsburgh off the board until the third period. The Penguins scored only once on five power plays.

Backstrom alone

The Caps have been burned with long stretch passes where the team is too far up allowing the opposition to cut them off in the neutral zone. If you do it right though, it can be very effective. Finally, they did it right on Saturday.

As Michal Kempny wheeled around the net with the puck, he kicked it up to T.J. Oshie at the blue line. Oshie turned and hit Jakub Vrana cross-ice in the neutral zone. Backstrom was right next to Vrana giving the Caps a 2-on-1 against Brian Dumoulin. It looked like Dumoulin expected Backstrom to be covered on the backcheck as he did not react at all when Backstrom separated from Vrana and headed for the middle. Vrana found him and Backstrom was alone in front for the goal. That goal snapped a 10-game goal drought for No. 19 and it gave Washington the 2-0 lead.

The second period

Washington scored three goals in the first period and none in the second. Why was the second period so key to the win? Because the Caps also kept the Penguins off the board.

Saturday's game is the third straight in which Washington scored first. In the two games prior, however, the Caps lost both games as they were unable to build off those strong starts. 1180280 Washington Capitals

The Capitals respond in Pittsburgh, the fourth line delivers and a good day from the PK

By J.J. Regan

March 07, 2020 4:40 PM

There was a lot to like in Saturday's 5-2 win for the Capitals over the Pittsburgh Penguins. There were still some underlying issues as well.

The fourth line

That's two goals and four assists for Richard Panik in the last four games as he looks completely reignited by his move to the fourth line. He has brought offensive production back to that line as Nic Dowd scored two goals and an assist and Garnet Hathaway tacked on an assist. The fourth line was the best line in the game.

The top line is not going to be able to always carry the team. To have a productive fourth line is such an undervalued asset and you saw why on Saturday.

Penalties are still a problem

Limiting penalties was a major point of emphasis in this game after the Caps practically handed the New York Rangers the win on Thursday by their inability to stay out of the box. So, of course, Washington had to kill off 1:25 of a two-man advantage less than 10 minutes into the game. Penalties were still a major issue on Saturday, it just didn't feel that way because the Caps held Pittsburgh off the board until the third period. Washington gave up five power plays plus a penalty shot, but allowed only one power play goal.

The penalty kill is not going to be able to bail them out every game. They have got to stay out of the box. In a contentious matchup, Pittsburgh was able to limit their penalties to only one. And don't give me that "the refs hate the Caps and love the Penguins." Every fan base feels the refs are against them, get over it and just stay out of the penalty box.

It doesn't mean anything if they lose to Buffalo

This was the best game Washington has played perhaps in the calendar year. It dominated its biggest rival on the road and did it without Alex Ovechkin carrying them. But this win will mean nothing if the Caps turn around and lose in Buffalo.

Washington has been terrible since the start of February, but the three games against Pittsburgh have been notable exceptions. The Caps have won two out of three, but even the 4-3 loss on Feb. 2 was one of the team's better games during a wretched stretch.

Clearly, this team gets up for Pittsburgh. That's great. But if the same team that got destroyed by Philadelphia on Wednesday or that allowed five goals to Mika Zibanejad on Thursday shows up to play the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, this win ultimately won't mean anything at all. Washington has to start stringing together some wins and some consistent play or it will be right back to where it was prior to the Pittsburgh game.

Turning point

With a 1-0 lead, Washington looked like it was about to waste a good start again as Brenden Dillon was called for interference and the Caps were caught with five men on the ice on the penalty kill less than a minute later. The PK managed to kill off a1:25 two-man advantage and the remainder of the too-many-men penalty. About five minutes later, Nicklas Backstrom scored to give the Caps the 2-0 lead.

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NHL, NBA may close locker rooms from media over coronavirus fears

By J.J. Regan

March 07, 2020 1:22 PM

With growing fears over the spread of COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, the NHL may close locker rooms to the media, according to several reports.

The move comes on the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control. All media availability would be conducted in press conference areas.

While initial reports were that this new policy was to start on Saturday, there have been conflicting reports on whether the NHL will actually follow through. Media members in attendance for the Pittsburgh Penguins - Washington Capitals game Saturday have reported the rooms are expected to be open after the game. Dave Isaac of Courier Post also reports the Philadelphia Flyers have been told by the league has told them locker room are to remain open

"We're focused on the fact that the tightness, the crowdedness and the intimacy of postgame availability may need to be adjusted while we're focusing on the coronavirus," he said according to the AP.

If the NHL follows through, it stands to be the first major professional sports league in North America to mandate league-wide preventative measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. Other leagues are expected to follow suit. The Athletic's Shams Charania first reported the NBA is discussing limiting locker room access only to players and team personnel.

"In consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, we're discussing with other sports leagues options to protect the health of everyone in our buildings, including those typically in our locker rooms," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement on Saturday. "As always, we're committed to providing appropriate media access."

When it comes to preventing diseases, a locker room is about the worst place you can be given the sweaty equipment and close proximity of the players. Those conditions led to the quick spread of the mumps infection through the league in 2017.

But does closing the locker room go far enough?

In California, Santa Clara County has recommended that all large events, including sports games, be canceled. So far, the San Jose Sharks and the NHL have resisted such calls to cancel games. With the playoffs just a month away, the continued spread of the virus has the potential to significantly impact the league's postseason.

Also on Saturday, it was announced that the IIHF and Hockey Canada had decided to cancel the 2020 Women's World Hockey Championship scheduled for later in March in Nova Scotia. In Switzerland, games have been played without fans and the country's top two leagues have postponed their playoffs.

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Why Saturday's game between the Capitals and Penguins could be a first-round playoff preview

By J.J. Regan

March 07, 2020 6:00 AM

The NHL's current playoff format was primarily created for one purpose: rivalries. While it has yet to deliver a Montreal-Toronto, Rangers-Devils, Rangers-Islanders, Edmonton-Calgary or Tampa Bay-Florida series, just to name a few, the one rivalry it has provided with some regularity is Capitals-Penguins. That could be happening again this year, but sooner than expected.

For three straight years, from 2016 to 2018, Washington and Pittsburgh met in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Two of the best teams in the NHL were forced to play a round before they really should have because the NHL decided grouping division was more important than ranking teams in a conference based on things like, you know, points and merit.

This season, it looks like another Caps-Penguins series could be in the cards...but in the first round.

Washington will face the Penguins Saturday in a marquee matchups (1 p.m., NBC Sports Washington). Heading into that game, the Caps hold first place in the Metropolitan Division, but just barely. Washington is tied with the red-hot Philadelphia Flyers with 87 points for the top spot and currently holds first place based on a tie-breaker. The Caps, however, have lost three out of four and nine out of their last 13. They are trending in the wrong direction while the Flyers have won seven straight. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has 84 points with a game in hand on both the Caps and Flyers, but are just getting over a stretch of six straight regulation losses.

There is about one month remaining in the regular season and a lot can happen between now and then, but with all three teams so close in the standings, Philadelphia has to be the odds-on favorite to win the Metro. With all the teams behind in the Metro fading fast, Washington and Pittsburgh would be safe bets to claim those No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the division which, of course in the NHL's current format, would mean a first- round matchup between these two teams.

So as the Caps and Penguins take the ice on Saturday to renew their rivalry, it is with the knowledge that the rivalry could perhaps again be reignited in April, but just one round earlier than usual.

Would another Washington-Pittsburgh matchup in the postseason lose some of its contentiousness and intensity if they have to meet in the first round? No. No it will not.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180283 Washington Capitals 3. Speaking of Dowd, his two-goal outburst marked the first multigoal game of the fifth-year pro’s career. It also came two nights after he was assessed a couple of minor penalties in the opening 11 minutes of the Caps’ 6-5 overtime loss to the Rangers. Five thoughts from the Capitals’ ‘important’ victory in Pittsburgh Dowd felt like he owed his teammates. And Saturday, he played like it.

“I wanted to have a good response,” he said. “Last game was tough — By Tarik El-Bashir two penalties right out of the gate, benched the rest of the period, and then it’s tough to get back in the game with limited shifts as it is,” the Mar 7, 2020 fourth-line center said. “It felt good to respond. It wasn’t like I was looking to go out there and score, but I wanted to play well and do the things that I’m required to do.” PITTSBURGH — The Capitals needed a bounce-back performance in the worst way Saturday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena. 4. Panik earned the secondary assist on Dowd’s icebreaker, then scored a goal of his own later in the first period to put the Caps in control 3-0 and And they got it thanks to a couple of unlikely sources. extend his hot streak. Since the start of February, he’s the team’s leader in points per 60 minutes at five-on-five with 10 (two goals, eight assists). Nic Dowd scored twice, including a short-handed goal, and Richard Panik chipped in with a goal and an assist to help power Washington It’s been a weird first season in Washington for Panik. The 29-year-old past Pittsburgh 5-2. Slovak scuffled out of the gate, suffered a freak shoulder injury in October and then struggled to catch a speeding train upon returning. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Capitals, halted a 10- Lately, though, he’s been giving the Caps exactly what they hoped to get game stretch of allowing three or more goals and, just as important, when they signed him to a four-year, $11 million contract in free agency. prevented a division rival from gaining ground on them in the standings. And interestingly, it’s mostly happened since he was demoted to the Here are The Athletic DC’s five takeaways: fourth line to accommodate the arrival of Ilya Kovalchuk.

1. It was the Caps’ most complete performance since, well, the last time “I have a lot of credit to give Richard for how he’s reacted,” Reirden said. they beat the Penguins, a 5-3 triumph in D.C. on Feb. 23. “I think there are a couple of ways of looking at a situation like that, and he’s taken the proper (approach) on this one, and he’s taken advantage Washington scored first for the third consecutive game, and despite of it. He gets a little different matchup than he normally would get, and taking too many penalties and giving up third-period goals to Sidney now he’s playing with a lot of confidence and making plays and Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Caps managed to make it stick thanks to converting when he gets a chance. I’m trying to use him more in different a physical effort underscored by contributions from stars and grinders situations with different lines to get him out there. He’s doing his job. I’ve alike as well as a big disparity in hits (45-26 in favor of the visitors). got to do a better job of getting him out there more often.”

“It was important, but the way we played means more,” said T.J. Oshie, Said Dowd: “He’s our most skilled guy on the line, no question. He’s who scored his 26th goal in the third period. “Obviously, we gave up a been a 20-goal scorer in this league before. He sees the ice well, he’s couple of goals there late. But from the top down, everyone had the got great hands, and he can make a lot of plays. So, yeah, it adds a same effort tonight. The Dowder (Dowd) and Lars (Eller) lines, they bring different look to what (Garnet Hathaway) and I bring.” that effort every night. And when we get the top two lines working that same way, we’re going to have success and we’re going to be hard to Panik said the recent uptick in performance is the result of the quick beat.” chemistry he’s found with Dowd and Hathaway.

Oshie added: “We can use a lot of clips from today as positive “We just clicked,” he said. “We’re trying to play simple, playing behind reinforcement of what we have to do moving forward and how we have to their D, and so far it’s working. We’re just grinding them out.” play and how many people we need involved on a shift-to-shift basis.” 5. Penalties weren’t much of a talking point after a critical win over a big Coach Todd Reirden said the key was a strong first few minutes and, rival. But they’re still a problem this team must address. The league more specifically, not coughing up their 1-0 lead while short-handed leader in minor infractions was assessed at eight against the Pens, who moments later. (That scenario played out against the Flyers and struck once on the power play. Rangers.) Over the past three games, the Caps have been assessed a total of 20 “The start was important for us,” Reirden said. “It’s something we’ve minors, including a couple of too-many-men penalties. focused on the last little while, especially with our afternoon games. Very similarly, we got out to a 1-0 lead, and then we had to kill a penalty right away. And the difference today was we killed it. For the most part, (it The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 was) a really good team effort (with) a lot of contributions from everybody, and we’ll gladly take two points.”

2. Braden Holtby made 26 saves, including a penalty shot, to earn a fourth victory in his past five starts.

Before Wednesday’s 5-2 thumping at the hands of the surging Flyers, Holtby’s game seemed to be trending in the right direction. Perhaps beating the Pens will help the veteran netminder get back on track.

Holtby’s best sequence Saturday came late in the second period as the Caps protected a 3-0 lead. Jared McCann was hooked by Jonas Siegenthaler as he broke in all alone, forcing Holtby to stop not only McCann’s breakaway but also the penalty shot McCann was awarded.

“Yes and no,” said Holtby, asked if he was surprised a penalty shot was awarded. “It slowed him up. I don’t think you can penalize a guy for fighting through (the hook) and getting a shot at it. I think the refs do a good job on that stuff, so you just accept it for what it is and play through it.”

Holtby’s heroics were not lost on his teammates.

“You can’t overlook what Holts did today,” Dowd said. “He was our best player. They only had 13 shots (after two periods), but they were all quality.” 1180284 Winnipeg Jets The result — the two points — mattered most on Friday, but it was hardly the thing you’d latch onto most.

The Golden Knights, to their credit, had 17 high-danger scoring chances SCOTT'S SCRIBBLES: What big win means for the Jets, and what it to Winnipeg’s 12. The difference in the game, apart from the two goals doesn't scored by Winnipeg on the power play, was Connor Hellebuyck.

His post-game celebration after being named the game’s No. 1 star after a 29-save shutout, his sixth of the season to pace the NHL, was an ode Scott Billeck to fishing, one of his favourite pastimes.

March 7, 2020 5:44 PM CST What he was fishing for is debatable, perhaps that elusive sturgeon to earn himself Master Angler honours.

I joked after the game that he was fishing for the Vezina Trophy, one that Never too high, never too low — Blake Wheeler’s life motto. should be his if he carries the Jets into the playoffs. And maybe the Hart Truthfully, I find this to be the life motto of many professional athletes. A Memorial Trophy, too. The NHL’s highest personal honour is given each big win, such as the Winnipeg Jets’ convincing 4-0 shutout of the Vegas year to the player most valuable to his team. If the Jets make the Golden Knights on Friday night in Winnipeg, can easily be met the next playoffs, and the award is voted on, properly, using its description, in time out by a reverse score at the hands of a lesser foe, someone like what world would Hellebuyck not be a front-runner? the Detroit Red Wings (or insert another terrible team here). The win was big, and Hellebuyck’s night was the reason the ‘W’ could be No one on the roster better embodies this sort of thing than the team’s labelled as such. captain. Friday’s win only really matters if Monday’s game is met with the same Part of that is his job, of course. Wheeler is meticulous when it comes to intensity. controlling the message, and in that department, he does a fine job at it. The Jets did a lot of good things against Vegas. There have been quotes over the past number of years that I’ve been While the goals were obviously noticeable, it was what led up to them reporting in the NHL that I keep stashing in a Rolodex in my head. that tells the story. After Winnipeg’s statement game on Friday, I was reminded of this one Winnipeg’s launch from the starter’s box flummoxed Vegas, who entered from Wheeler. the game winners of nine of their past 10 games. “We got to pump the brakes a bit here, you know what I mean?” Wheeler But there were even finer details to be mined, such as Patrik Laine’s said back in February of 2018. “We’re talking Stanley Cup contender, backcheck with Winnipeg on the power play and up 3-0 in the second we’re talking … we haven’t even made the f***ing playoffs yet, you period. know? We’re building this up a little bigger than it is. We’re just trying to get better every single game.” My opinion is that Laine has been Winnipeg’s best player this season. Very few nights through his 66 games played this season could be filed Just over two years ago, the Jets were marching to a 52-win, 114-point under ‘Off night’. He’s simply been one of the team’s most reliable two- season, their best in franchise history. The quote above from Wheeler way players. came after the Jets scored shorthanded with 15 seconds remaining to complete a third-period comeback against the eventual Stanley Cup Last year, you may never have seen this, but Laine has evolved into champion Washington Capitals. Tyler Myers would go on to score the something some people are still having a tough time reconciling — an game-winner 2:35 into overtime to hand Winnipeg its 33rd win of the exceptional 200-foot player who just happens to possess one of the best season. shots in the world.

Wheeler, who I find is more guarded after wins than he is after losses, And what about the partnership between Josh Morrissey and Dylan made sure to squash any narratives that the Jets won the Cup that night. DeMelo. If DeMelo’s game was coach’s porn for Maurice, one can only imagine how he views the duo playing together? The Jets, of course, were destined for the playoffs that year but wouldn’t be parading down Portage Avenue in mid-June. That sort of dirty talk is the type you have to pay for.

A couple of months later, Wheeler had a shiny, new five-year extension Friday’s win simply meant two priceless points. It didn’t mean anything with the club. But amongst all of the talk about what the next five years more than that in terms of the battle for the final wild-card. Sports Club might look like, Wheeler made sure to let everyone know that despite his Stats, a website that tracks playoff chances, determined the win earned team’s run to the Western Conference Final, it meant little in the grand the Jets a 9.4% increase to their odds of making the postseason, a scheme of things. number that currently rests at 38.2%.

“You got to be careful because we didn’t accomplish anything last year,” What it meant in the room will be seen as soon as Monday when the Wheeler said that day. “When the puck drops this season, it’s not going Arizona Coyotes come to town. That game is bigger, in part because it’s to be Game 1 of the Western Final again.” the next game and, in part, because the Jets could severely hinder Arizona’s chances of catching them in the standings with a win, while Two years on and with no Stanley Cup banners hanging inside Bell MTS simultaneously improving their own odds once again. Place, Wheeler wasn’t thinking much about statement games after Friday’s win. Friday’s win just meant that the next time out matters even more now.

“It was a good win. We needed a win,” he said when the subject was broached. “They played a good game. They’re fast, they have good sticks. They didn’t give us a whole lot. I think our goalie was outstanding Winnipeg Sun LOADED 03.08.2020 tonight, made the stops when we needed him to. He gave us a chance to win.”

Never too high. The Jets simply can’t afford to be and Wheeler knows this better than anyone.

With 13 games remaining on their regular-season schedule, every big game is dwarfed by the next. That’s the nature of the dogfight for the final two wild-card spots in the Western Conference at the moment.

The Jets woke up Saturday in a playoff spot but could arise Sunday with the clocks wound ahead an hour and be back on the outside looking in. 1180285 Winnipeg Jets to matter. As a result, the safest money is on a team other than the Jets finishing the season in Winnipeg’s place.

Hellebuyck doesn’t care what you think about safe money. What Blake Wheeler is really saying about Winnipeg’s win over Las He made 29 saves against Vegas. His 1,584 saves leads the NHL. Vegas Of Hellebuyck’s 29 saves, 17 constituted high-danger scoring chances,

according to Natural Stat Trick. High-danger scoring chances aren’t a By Murat Ates perfect indicator of shot quality, but they’re not arbitrary, either. A “high- danger scoring chance,” by definition, is a shot from the low slot or a rush Mar 7, 2020 or one-timer shot from the high slot or a rush and one-timer shot from outside of the slot altogether. Don’t lean on the metric too hard — it

misses a lot of things — but if you’re looking for criteria that genuinely I am not a Blake Wheeler whisperer. Not even remotely. lead to difficult saves, high-danger scoring chances are fair game. Put another way: Plenty of chances that are genuinely tough to save don’t In fact, I have had only three sincere, vulnerable conversations with get counted as high-danger scoring chances, but a very high percentage Wheeler in my life. of high-danger scoring chances are genuinely tough to save. Hellebuyck has made the most high-danger saves in the NHL. Two of them led to “I like me a lot better this year” — the surprisingly vulnerable Q&A about the aspects of Wheeler’s personality he has been Hellebuyck leads the NHL in “goals above expectation” — Evolving- forced to fight to lead this particular version of the Winnipeg Jets. The Hockey’s metric that compares each goaltender’s saves to the expected third was last April about love and trust. It started with a cliché, but it led goals of the shots they’ve faced. to good things. Forget spreadsheet talk for a minute. If I walk into the Jets dressing room But there have been only three. And, even then, Wheeler was guarded. and I ask three different players to tell me what makes Hellebuyck so great, I’ll easily get more than enough quotes to write an article about I am certain, as I have told him directly, that he is better at talking to the why Hellebuyck is, indeed, so great. media than we are at talking to him. But unprompted quotes tell the real story. He recognizes our patterns. He lets us know he recognizes our patterns — sometimes overtly, sometimes through tone — when we ask him the Ask Wheeler about Winnipeg’s win as a statement game? same question over and over again. And even when he is being open, he is in control of his message. He knows his role as an ambassador for the “I think our goalie was outstanding tonight, made the stops when we club. He is choosing his words. He is not just speaking his truth but needed him to. He gave us a chance to win.” articulating it the way he most wants it shared. Ask Patrik Laine about the key to closing out the win after the Jets went After Friday’s 4-0 win against Vegas — Winnipeg’s most important up 2-0 just 4:41 into the game? victory of the season (again; it was Buffalo on Tuesday before it was this) “I think Helly made some great saves for us. We were playing some good — Wheeler was asked a typical and reasonable question. When Scott defence. At the end, we were just giving away some easy plays that we Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun asked Wheeler if the Jets’ win over the should just chip it in. I don’t know, I think Helly was the final key tonight.” Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights was a “statement game,” Wheeler said this: Maurice was no different.

“It was a good win. We needed a win. They played a good game. They’re “Connor was good all night,” the Jets head coach said. “I know the fans fast; they have good sticks. They didn’t give us a whole lot. I think our appreciated it, but to really appreciate how good he was, you really need goalie was outstanding tonight, made the stops when we needed him to. to watch that game again. A lot of small areas, small saves that maybe He gave us a chance to win.” didn’t look like a couple that Marc-André (Fleury) made at the other end, but he had volume of really important saves.” This is where it is important to remind you that I am not a Wheeler whisperer. I am interpreting — heavily — but I have to share what I Even in a game Winnipeg walked away with, Hellebuyck held the fort. His honestly felt. 29 saves and 17 high-danger saves added up into his league-leading sixth shutout of the season and, more importantly, Winnipeg’s 35th win. What I heard in Wheeler’s tone was very, very different. Hellebuyck downplayed the milestone shutout but spoke proudly of the I heard: “Statement game? Forget about it. We have 13 more Jets’ win. ‘statements’ to make.” “It’s a great milestone,” he said. “But it’s a testament to the guys in front Judge for yourself by clicking through: of me and how well we’ve been playing. When we bring it, we know we If you subscribe to The Athletic, as you do, you probably follow the Jets can shut teams down. I thought tonight was a good game.” as closely as I do. You’ve probably watched as many Wheeler scrums Whomever you credit, Winnipeg’s biggest game of the season was met over the past three years as I’ve been a part of in person. You’ll have with its best start. Three goals in the first period paced the Jets to their your own opinion. eventual margin of victory. Mine is that the business-like, curmudgeonly, playoffs-or-bust Wheeler Nik Ehlers banked his 24th goal of the season off Ryan Reaves’ stick. has arrived in Winnipeg. Laine’s 27th was a power-play rebound. And that’s a very good thing. Kyle Connor’s 36th goal was particularly fun. Jack Roslovic picked off a So even on a night when “the (Mark) Scheifele line didn’t have a major wishful Nicolas Roy pass in Winnipeg’s zone before leading his fellow impact in the game,” according to Paul Maurice, my opinion is that 2015 first-rounder into a two-on-one that ended with Connor tying Wheeler was — and will be — a major force. If you’re into colleague Dom Sebastian Aho for sixth-most goals in the NHL. Luszczyszyn’s analytics, Wheeler leads the Jets in Game Score Value But Mathieu Perreault’s final goal of the game — a power-play rebound Added (and is top 40 in the NHL) this season. If you’re into points, he’s Perreault plucked out of Josh Morrissey’s slap pass — stole the show. third on the Jets and 26th in the league. He’s not the team’s MVP — Connor Hellebuyck has been too good for too long for anyone to On a night that began with playoff intensity right from the ceremonial challenge him on that front — but if you’re into players trying to will their puck drop (by Olympians Sami Jo Small and Venla Hovi, along with TSN teams into the playoffs, Wheeler has no equal. star Sara Orlesky and True North’s senior vice president of sales, Norva Riddell) through the national anthems (sang beautifully by Joey Landreth, This is the current table: Dave Landreth, Kenzie Jane and Courtney Devon), the crowd’s roar for The nicest thing about this table is that Winnipeg owns a wild-card spot. Perreault’s goal might have been the sweetest moment of the night. The least-nice thing is that Minnesota and Nashville own two games in hand each and are close enough, points-wise, for those games in hand Perreault has endured multiple injuries this season. The first was a late hit; the second from a blindside check that was less overtly dirty but just as damaging.

To see the decibels on the in-house JumboTron climb as the crowd roared for Perreault’s goal and then to see Perreault’s face as he beamed with appreciation for the crowd … well, that’s part of what makes hockey so special. It was more than a goal — it was a homecoming.

“That’s the best feeling, honestly,” Perreault said. “To see that they’re happy to see me back. This is such a great crowd. These fans are awesome.”

I can’t help but share that, just before the scrum started, Perreault called scoring a goal in front of such appreciative fans “the best feeling in the world.”

The goal clearly meant a lot to Perreault and his fans.

What did Perreault’s return mean to the coach?

“More than what you saw on the ice,” Maurice said. “On the ice was really good, scoring goals. But he’s talking on the bench, he’s keeping guys excited and he’s having fun, enjoying the pressure. I didn’t get him out there a whole lot, (which was) more a function of how they were running their bench. But lots of real good energy in the room — Frenchie enjoys scoring goals as much as anybody, and the people around him enjoy it even more.”

Again, I’m interpreting.

But if I had to guess? The next-available best feeling in the world?

Making the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Perreault, Wheeler and especially Hellebuyck are giving Winnipeg a chance.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180286 Vancouver Canucks trusts Eriksson more than he does Big Tuna. Shotguns can’t kill Nathan MacKinnon, but a cold aloofness possibly can.

Virtanen would go on to play around 12 minutes of hockey Friday night The Armies: In the year 2000, Big Game Fella, and Chris Tanev’s gutsy alongside Brandon Sutter and Tyler Motte and did not put up very good effort possession numbers.

Eriksson had 13:42 of ice time, got his empty-net assist, as is tradition, and was one of the better players in puck possession numbers. By Wyatt Arndt For one night, Green won the debate, even if Virtanen fans feel he got Mar 7, 2020 the short end of the stick.

Now, your mileage may vary on whether you agree with Green, but it’s generally par for the course for him to go with safety over the unknown, It was a decade that brought us Ron and Sam having the greatest even if it means robbing us of Tommy the Tractor Guy shotgunning motor couples fight of all time over a mysterious letter in season two of “Jersey oil and pieces of glass, or whatever it is he’s on to now, in honour of Shore.” Virtanen’s goals. One that taught us all about Stars Hollow, a quirky town where every Virtanen is the mystery box, and Eriksson is a bag of new socks. single person talks alike except for Luke. Green chooses socks almost every time. It was a decade of Ed Hardy T-shirts, frosted tips, B4-4 and wearing tank tops over top another shirt. The real issue is, of course, the fact the Canucks are using Bo Horvat as their main shutdown line center. The Canucks have an awful lot of money It was also a decade that saw the Canucks emerge from the darkness of invested in a bottom six that isn’t being relied on for top defensive He Who Shall Not Be Named, showcasing two high-end eras with the assignments. West Coast Express and the Sedins. Best Crazy in Love Yes, the 2000s were an interesting time in Canucks Nation. It had many exciting teams, but none of them could quite manage to get out of the When one young man falls, another takes his place, as Zack MacEwen second round. Still, it was a welcome reprieve from the end of the ’90s, showed in just seven minutes of ice time. Playing alongside Antoine moving on from the Darby Hendricksons of the world to being beaten by Roussel and Adam Gaudette, the Gauds of War line, MacEwen had the the Darby Hendricksons of the world. biggest game of any Canucks forward.

For my money, the West Coast Express era was the most exciting Two goals, two shots, four hits and a penalty thrown in for good measure. hockey this town has ever seen. Yes, the 2011 era was fun to watch, as it crippled team after team in almost robotic-like efficiency, but there was And those hits were real hits, not the kind Cal Clutterbuck got for gently just something so chaotic about watching a team with Dan Cloutier as its whispering someone’s name in Minnesota. It was the kind of game that goalie try to figure out how to win games without allowing a single shot didn’t surprise Thatcher Demko, who saw it often in Utica. on net. “That’s just his game. Guys on the other team know when he’s on the The WCE era had such a combination of physicality, skill and Jarkko ice. He’s gonna be finishing checks, he’s gonna be skating really hard; Ruutu tripping Dion Phaneuf after faking him out with a fight request that he’s a big, strong kid.” it was hard not to just sit back and marvel at their high speed and intense Roussel’s main takeaway from playing with the Big Fella was how much north/south game. fun it was. Seriously, he used the word “fun” three times. There were also just a hell of a lot of fun players who came through town. “It’s so much fun to get that vibe; he just gets everybody going. Even the Badass Murray Baron blocking every shot he could find. crowd just is into it. It’s so much fun to have that kind of player, and he’s fun to play with.” The return of the golden child, Trevor Linden. For fans who have been clamouring on his behalf to get him into the Harold Druken sending the boys back to the playoffs. lineup, they will see this game as sweet vindication. Getting MacEwen into the lineup as an everyday player has been the calling card for fans of The preseason king, Fedor Fedorov. the Big Fella, and after Friday, those cries will be heard even louder. The Next Big Thing Jason King. But even if he doesn’t, don’t expect MacEwen to complain. His entire Geoff Sanderson and Brad May remix editions! approach to hockey is something Green could talk about for hours. Honestly, Travis Green Hype Man actually went into hype mode as he Scorin’ Lee Goren! discussed what he likes about MacEwen.

Eric Weinrich’s disgusting yellow visor! “He’s an old-school player that wants to earn it. Appreciates the value of earning your stripes. Doesn’t always happen in the game today. … I’ve Vote 4 Rory! got a soft spot for guys that are kind of old school that way. … We’ve had Backup Bob Essensa. to work on his wall work in his own zone. Moving his feet when he gets a puck on the wall. We showed him some video after his first game back in Tommi. Freaking. Santala. the lineup where I thought he turned over a couple of pucks, lost some And that doesn’t even get into The Clapper or the giant whale that used wall battles … he’s smart, he understands that part. You tell him to float around the arena, dropping off prizes during intermissions. something, he already knows it when you show him the video.”

So what better way to honour that team than with an old-fashioned, high- If you read that and went, “OK, so yeah, Nikolay Goldobin will never play scoring, 6-3 victory over one of its biggest rivals from that time? a game for this coach ever again,” you’re probably right.

Before we jump into the game, let’s hit up the Barbarian in the room. As for the goals, one was created off Roussel’s good board work, which allowed MacEwen to speed in and snipe bottom shelf: Jake Virtanen, coming off one of his best games in recent weeks, was once again put on the fourth line, while , everyone’s The Gauds of War line, which was just terrorizing the Avalanche all night favourite social studies 10 teacher, slid back onto the second line, aka (no small feat against such a speedy team), went to work late in the third the shutdown line. when the team needed it most:

Naturally, the optics of this, especially with the team mired in a four-game The hard cut behind the net from Roussel and then the quick pass out losing streak, ruffled some feathers within Canucks Nation. Which led front to a hard-charging MacEwen, that’s the kind of old-school goal Brendan Batchelor to ask the question why, to which Travis Green gave Green loves. It was the kind of game that made Roussel call MacEwen a lengthy answer. Essentially, in a tight race to the finish line, Green the “perfect” fit for their line. “Zack is the perfect fit, makes some space close to us, and we really Troy Stecher, last seen wearing the expression of a man who just keep it simple; we make everything easy,” he said. realized he didn’t charge his phone before going to bed, grew up in the 2000 Canucks era and is actually on record as saying the original Orca And it wasn’t just the goals; it was, as mentioned earlier, landing jersey is his favourite. Bertuzzi-on-Chelios bodychecks against the glass: So you just knew a kid who pretended he was finishing off passes from It was also drawing penalties like a young Taylor Pyatt: Todd Bertuzzi on the playground of Dixon Elementary was going to come It was hard not to walk away from this game being thoroughly impressed fired up for this game, which he did, sniping home a goal, post and in. by the job the third line did. Best Get Ur Freak On

Best Hey Ya! It’s not often an Elias Pettersson play gets lost in the shuffle, but that’s Speaking of Roussel, he has come under fire as of late as one of the what happens when Tanev goes balls out and the Big Fella gets two veterans who instead of being relied upon to close out games has hurt goals. the team. Gaudette deserves a lot of praise for his board work, as he We do have to pay proper respect not just to Pettersson for his patience ShamWows his way out of the corner and found Roussel for the tap in: on this play but also to J.T. Miller for once again sneaking in on a Roussel spoke of redemption after the game as he talked about his Pettersson scoring play to maintain his team lead in points. recent performances. Well played, J.T. Well played.

“Sometimes you put the team in a bad spot and you want to get it back. I Best Since U Been Gone wish we had won the game before, but this one is huge; we just gotta keep it going.” Tanner Pearson is out here breaking actual empty-net records; we are living in the peak empty-net era for the Canucks. We might never see a The Gauds of War led the charge for the Canucks in terms of puck player with the skills of Special Ops Pearson ever again. Look how possession and have made it absolutely mandatory that they stay clinical he is! together for the next game. Best Everything in its Right Place You wouldn’t break up the Cooke/Linden/Arvedson line, would you? What you see as a bad play into the bench, I see as a solid play. You Best Stan can’t have the puck turned over against you and rammed into your net if Speaking of veterans stepping up, Chris Tanev, ladies and gentleman. you just shoot it into the bench. That is just some sweet, safe hockey He has moved on from dad mode to grumpy dad mode, as he looked like right there. Hard to score from the crowd, isn’t it, Colorado? the guy not just in playoff mode, but Round 3, deep-in-the-playoffs mode. Best Moment of Surrender

In one of the most critical moments of the game, Tanev made the shot In the interest of saving space, we won’t go into huge detail on the block heard ’round the world, as he found a way to get over and block Colorado goals, but we should touch on Demko’s performance, which MacKinnon’s cannon of a shot: was once again a mixture of “Oh, man, how did he save that?” and “Oh, Watch how Tanev goes down low to cut off a pass and then realizes it man, how didn’t he save that?” So, all in all, it was a nice way to pay isn’t coming. Watch how Dad Tanev, farthest away from the shot, races respect to the Beach Ball King Dan Cloutier. over and is first in line to eat rubber for this team. As always, questionable defensive-zone coverage also played a part, as That’s like watching those compilation videos of dads saving their kids seen here when Motte raced back to take Stecher’s man, leaving Stecher from impending doom. It was something that wasn’t lost on Green. more alone than you are on the Skytrain at 12:30 a.m. on a Wednesday:

“I feel like every time I talk about Tanev, I have to pump his tires or Which continued the proud tradition of Stecher always looking really sad something; this guy’s a warrior. You know, to the fan, you see the block after goals: and you appreciate that, but from a coach and players on your team, you Another goal happens because Pearson, who was most likely frazzled see the part where he gets sucked in low ’cause they have a low play, due to seeing the goalies in net, gets faked out by Gabe Landeskog, who and he’s smart enough to know that once they don’t pass that puck goes to the net and unleashes a laser normal shot that you would hope through the middle, he know’s where it’s going: It’s going to MacKinnon. Demko would snag: And a lot of guys might not jump out as hard and fast as he did. That takes some balls, man. Sorry. That takes courage. And he’s got a lot of This, then, led to an amazing GIF of Pearson beating out the drumbeat to it.” “Seven Nation Army” against the bench:

Again, I want to underscore how rare it is for Hype Man Green to go on at Yet another goal was started by a pinch so bad that Erik Gudbranson felt length about anything. The love for Tanev is real, folks. it was a bit much, as Tyler Myers goes all-in on a puck that causes the Canucks to be caught in an odd-man rush against with yet another shot As for Tanev, he knew after giving up a lot of shots in the first period that that you would hope Demko can snag next time: it wasn’t good enough. He knew he had to dig deeper. This, then, led to Tyler Myers bopping Tyler Toffoli in the face with the “I think you come in after you give up 18 shots in the first, everyone has puck in what I assume was a battle over the name Tyler: to look in the mirror and you’ve got be like, ‘We’re winning 2-1. Realistically, should we be winning? Probably not.'” Each guy dealt with the stress of letting in a goal in different ways.

That’s just solid dad advice right there. And in typical good dad fashion, In Demko’s defense, he did have some great saves in there, including he downplayed his heroics. this one when Colorado was sure it scored:

“It’s 4-3; we’re trying to make the playoffs here. I think anyone on the It still wasn’t enough to make anyone forget Jacob Markstrom anytime team is going to do that. It’s what we need to do to win … we’re playing soon, but it was hopefully a game that can help Demko find his groove playoff hockey pretty much the rest of the year.” moving forward.

It didn’t stop there, though, as Tanev was also hitting up scrums after Best Family Affair liberties were taken with his captain, Bo Horvat, and ended up tearing the stitches in his ear. Don’t worry, he still hit the solid double-leg takedown Never battle Patrick Johnston in a game of NHL rules. He always wins. and maintained octagon control: Always.

I’m not going to lie; it was pretty easy to romanticize Tanev’s ballsy game Best Drop it Like it’s Hot Friday, because for all the talk of having to step up their game and find a way to win, nobody showed it more than Tanev did Friday night. If the Canucks felt they could have won the last couple of games, this chance late in the game proved it could have gone the other way just as Best Hurt easily:

If Vladislav Namestnikov came that close to tying the game up. Best Not Ready to Make Nice

The absolute look of disgust on Pettersson’s face is a thing of glory. That’s the look you give Subway for closing 20 minutes early.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 1180287 Websites from the podium, it’s better for them (the players) and for you (the media) because we’re dealing with groups who are doing a lot of traveling and interacting with a lot of people. We want to make sure the community that is involved in the nuts and bolts of putting on the game are doing the right The Athletic / Women’s worlds canceled, NHL considering media thing. That’s why we’re considering everything.” changes due to coronavirus Bettman added that the change in access would not be on “a long-term basis “and was just “a response to the coronavirus.”

By Craig Custance Earlier this week, the NHL’s general managers met in Boca Raton, Florida, where deputy commissioner Bill Daly detailed the league’s efforts Mar 7, 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including the barring of all travel for NHL staff outside of North America for business purposes.

NHL teams are taking more steps in response to the spread of The idea of playing games in front of empty arenas was also discussed, coronavirus. And at the same time, the international hockey calendar although NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said it was too early to continues to shrink. speculate on how realistic that option was for the NHL at that moment.

According to multiple sources, the league is considering a policy that will “We’re aware of and focused on all possibilities,” Bettman said after the restrict dressing room access for the media, and the new guidelines GM meetings. “We’re aware of what’s happening in other places in the could come as soon as Monday, although an NHL source said nothing world. We understand that things may evolve or change and we also had been finalized as of Saturday afternoon. understand that we’re going to have to react to it in a professional and timely and sensible basis.” Speaking from the Panthers game on Saturday night, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is “considering every conceivable option that may be,” as developments update almost every hour. The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 “We are considering no formal announcement,” Bettman said. “Some clubs might be focusing on this on their own. As you all know, the locker room is an intimate environment and players are not always fully clothed. It may be best to have media accessibility at a podium for everybody’s health and safety, not just the players, but yours (the media). And it’s different than fans being in the stands, particularly because our players play in a closed environment. So we’re focused on the fact that with the tightness, the crowdedness and the intimacy of postgame availability may need to be adjusted while we’re focusing on the coronavirus.”

When asked if the policy regarding media access would remain a decision for each individual club to make, Bettman said he “wouldn’t be surprised if at some point we move in that direction (of there being a league-wide policy). It may be the prudent thing to do.”

Some individual NHL teams have already enacted media restrictions, limiting postgame media access to press conferences and interviews outside the dressing room rather than opening up the room to the media.

The Islanders, for instance, opted to make select players available outside the dressing room on Saturday, as teams sorted through the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Stars planned to have postgame availability at a table in the press conference room. On Friday, the Sharks began using a podium and speaker for media interviews.

“Right now, you’re as updated as I am,” Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello said, according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple. “What the league has done is given us as many materials as are available on what to do to prevent it. What we have to do in our locker rooms, what we have to do around everything we do – you’ll know as soon as we know.”

On Saturday, it was also announced that the women’s ice hockey World Championship, set to open on March 31 in Nova Scotia, was canceled (more on this coming soon from The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian). During a conference call, the International Ice Hockey Federation council advised that Halifax and Truro host the 2021 women’s worlds. According to a source, the men’s U18 world championships are currently on as scheduled but the situation is being monitored. That tournament, should it take place, spans from April 16-26, and is being held in Plymouth, Michigan. The men’s world championships, according to a source, are still on as scheduled (starting May 8), although there is growing concern that NHL players won’t want to risk participation even if it takes place. Switzerland, the host country for the men’s worlds, currently has a ban on any public events over 1,000 people because of the coronavirus threat. That ban is extended until at least March 15.

On Saturday, Bettman compared the current concern from the coronavirus to the mumps outbreak that impacted the NHL during the 2014-15 season. He said the reason there was no change to the media policy at that time is that the medical community was more familiar with mumps than it appears to be with COVID-19.

“We’re dealing with interesting – to say the least – and challenging times from a medical standpoint and we want to make sure we’re doing the prudent things for everybody,” Bettman said. “Again, a locker room is different than the stands. You’ll have access to the players. But if we do it 1180288 Websites remember that and bring it up. If you look at a clip of a dozen of the player’s high-risk breakout plays and directly see the positive effects of the times it worked out alongside the gaffe, the bad stuff becomes more liveable. The Athletic / Bourne: Sorting one-offs from trends is a daily effort for coaches and media Of course, not every coach is hyper-diligent in making comments or even in watching all the clips from a given game. Sometimes it can be tough — say, in a back-to-back, with travel and lineup decisions to make and all the rest. Sometimes it’s just really redundant. You generally know who By Justin Bourne your players are by this time of the season, so some coaches — gasp — Mar 7, 2020 let their foot off the gas. And some are just like the rest of us; their confirmation bias brings their eyes to the particular things they like or don’t like over and again, and no amount of contrary evidence can sway them from beliefs they hold. They’ll make bad decisions based on their When I decided to leave the video coaching world to have a life that kept gut, based on single games or even single events in a single game. me closer to my family, it was with the understanding that I had gained a lot of knowledge about the game and coaching that could make me a For the media, it’s even harder. Namely because a lot of us cover not just more valuable member of the media. And that was a good position to be one team but all the teams. Being truly informed on the details of each in, I thought. I had been doing work breaking down hockey plays before group isn’t hard, it’s an impossibility. So you do the best you can, read getting hired as a video coach — that work was basically how they knew what you can, watch as much as possible and form your opinions using I was qualified — but my ability to critically watch the game had improved the most information that you can. There’s still value in this way of a great deal. covering the league with beat reporters and leaguewide people — the same way that scouting departments have cross-checking scouts who The problem, I quickly discovered, was that media members simply don’t have a better sense for context than those embedded in particular have the same tools as teams, and those tools are pretty damn critical. I leagues and regions. mean, I knew they didn’t, but I figured I’d find workarounds. When you use a video program like “XOS” as the Maple Leafs/Marlies do, you have All of this bloviating on how the game gets analyzed internally and someone manually log each game in real time. The simple way to put it externally brings me to a difficult question both parties have to answer on here is that when watching a period of hockey, I’d log about 250 to 300 a near-daily basis, which is one fans should consider, too: How many events per period (call it 800-plus per game). I had the parameters set so times do you need to see something to fairly determine a trend? Because that when watching the game, if I hit the letter “b,” it would instantly trends are worth acting on and worth having opinions about. If you’re a create a clip (starting something like seven seconds before the button- coach, you change your lines because of trends, you change your push and 10 seconds after) that would go into the “breakouts” folder. structure based on it. GMs change their personnel based on trends. You Some buttons came with prompts to follow up, like if I hit “r” for retrieval, are what you repeatedly do, it is said, so if someone does something it might prompt me for “player number” as well, so it would sort into enough, it becomes worth acting on. For media, we analyze, critique and player retrieval folders. (A clip folder like faceoffs came with about five question the game and don’t have to make the final decisions, so we can follow-up prompts.) There was a folder for my unique comments, which I speculate a bit more and talk around issues to better understand them. “I typed after hitting “j,” and folders for regroups and forechecks and think I see something here,” “It seems like X is happening more lately,” neutral-zone forechecks and on and on. There were a few dozen of “Is it possible this player is hurt or much improved or slacking entirely?” them, all told. (Coaches ask these questions, but they need a conclusion every day. I can tell you from doing two hours of talk radio a day, that isn’t required in The point is, the game — not just the highlights, but the actual game media.) away from the goals — was clipped and sorted and organized. We brought a portable server with us everywhere we went, so within minutes That means we in the media have it easier, but I still often find media too of the final buzzer going, each coach had the game sorted appropriately quick to make assessments because things haven’t had ample time to to dig into immediately. breathe. Did a new line struggle or did it just happen to get put together on a night when it played a good team (or in a back-to-back, etc.)? The And, boy, wouldn’t you know it, if you watch each unique breakout problem with a question like that hypothetical is that the NHL rarely offers throughout a hockey game — which might mean 30 to 40 of them — in enough of a sample for anything to really flesh itself out. Maybe that “new succession, you get a pretty good sense for the real trends. You’re less line” I’ve created there gets a couple of games together, which ends up likely to remember one egregious error, which I think is what gets being about 15 minutes of five-on-five play each night for a total of 30 glommed on to in the media, because you have the bigger sample right minutes and there are a couple of bad bounces squeezed in there. All there at your disposal. Single events are less likely to influence your that means is it’s just tough to know if it really works, as its chemistry feeling of the bigger picture. would still be developing, too. Then someone in the lineup gets hurt, What I liked to do when breaking down game clips was go through a things get shuffled as a result … and we’re constantly dealing in an folder like breakouts and make a note in my unique comments column on analysis of it as a line based on the small amount of time we saw it most of them (each coach has a section), then go back and look for together. In a big season sample, so many remain so small. trends. If I had typed the same comment a handful of times for a single Because this is just life when assessing hockey, you do have to make game (let’s use “stuffed up wall” as an example), well, now we have some assessments on insignificant samples or you’d never have any something for the coaching staff to talk about. “Hey, guys, I noticed we opinions at all. I know even in my role as video coach, I was often got stuffed going up the walls a lot on breakouts last game. Should we hesitant to suggest change because I was always hoping for more time maybe see if we can’t find a way to use reverses or get the puck to the to make an assessment. I even stayed quiet with a lot of my doubts when middle of the ice more tomorrow night?” (I don’t mean to make it sound those above me made quick changes to our lineups, but that hesitation like I just did that, by the way. I focused a lot on our opponents, in fact. faded away as I came to better understand that “trends” often start to The other coaches liked to comment on just about every clip, which reveal themselves pretty quickly and you’d rather be ahead of something made searching their comments on the season amazingly productive. that needs tweaking than carry on down the wrong path for an extended You could search your comments on the year for “stuffed wall” and period of time because you “need a bigger sample.” Similarly, in offering instantly have a package pulled together … provided you’d done the critique in the media, I like to have more time on things … but sometimes requisite commenting along the way.) what you see might just be the start of a trend, and that’s all you have to The point in explaining all this is that in the media, we don’t have those go on. exact programs, we don’t have people manually marking 800 events per game, and frankly, I don’t even think there’s much of an appetite for knowing that a particular winger was repeatedly a bit off in his neutral- The Athletic LOADED: 03.08.2020 zone positioning. So as I mentioned above, most people who cover the game for a living, even those who are very thorough, might have watched most plays just a time or two. Fans are the same: They watch the game once through, they remember the times they were frustrated by a player or a particular play, and that becomes the talking point. If a high-risk player turns the puck over in a dangerous spot against, it’s easy to 1180289 Websites like that. I was worried this morning when I watched our group at the morning skate and you think about it all day and you hope it is not the way it goes, but it was the way it went. Fortunately our goaltender was really good and we won.” Sportsnet.ca / Mikko Koskinen helps tired Oilers get win despite being outplayed The win moves the Oilers into a tie with the Vegas Golden Knights atop the Pacific, prior to a visit by Vegas on Monday. (The Golden Knights play at Calgary Sunday).

Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec Vegas will bring a far more dangerous offence, and likely better goaltending than the Blue Jackets came with on Saturday. This game March 8, 2020, 3:02 AM was theirs for the taking and they left it on the table with poor netminding and a lack of NHL-quality finish around the net. At one point later in the third period, Emil Bemstrom waited and waited while a fallen Koskinen EDMONTON — An old Edmonton sportscaster named Cecil “Tiger” flopped and flipped, then fired it a foot-and-a-half wide of the open net, Goldstick had a saying for games like the one the Edmonton Oilers and nearly taking Leon Draisaitl’s head off in the process. Columbus Blue Jackets trotted out on Saturday night. “I don’t think we could have played any better,” said Blue Jackets coach “If they played this game in my backyard,” Tiger used to say, “I’d draw John Tortorella. “You can’t be frustrated. We have another game here the drapes.” quickly tomorrow. We just have to stay about our business here.

Boring? It depends on how you’d define that word. “We just played good as a team. We played good as a team away from the puck. Their goalie is the difference. That’s the different in the game, For the third time in a week the Oilers were completely outplayed and their goaltending.” walked away with two points, scoring three times in the final 4:31 to cop a 4-1 win over the skill-challenged Blue Jackets. Koskinen, who has stopped totally 97 of his last 99 shots in his last three appearances, has helped the Oilers absolutely steal four points this Home of the Oilers week. Stream all 82 Oilers games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over

500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.08.2020 The question is, do we invoke the old narrative about good teams figuring out ways to win? Or should Edmonton be concerned with the regularity in which they are being dominated by its opponent?

“The name of the game is to win,” points out head coach Dave Tippett, “and we won.”

It’s that simple?

“You have to win different ways and this was a really ugly win that your goaltender was great,” he said, referencing a 45-save performance by Mikko Koskinen. “You have to recognize where we are at. When we are fresh, I like the way that we play. (But) it has been a hard week for us. We have a day off tomorrow and hopefully we will recoup some energy and we will get back at it for a big game on Monday.”

On a night when Oscar Klefbom made his return to the lineup after missing nine games with a shoulder injury, and Tippett broke up perhaps the best line in hockey to try and kickstart Connor McDavid, the Oilers were punchless. They got long slapshot goals from Alex Chiasson on the game’s first shot, and the game-winner from Caleb Jones late in the third, both of which should have been stopped by Joonas Korpisalo.

Unfortunately, the Blue Jackets had the second best Finnish goalie on the ice. And when it came to capitalizing around the Oilers net, the injury- depleted Blue Jackets simply beat the puck square on their scoring opportunities. Gustav Nyquist finally broke Koskinen’s shutout on a breakaway in the 59th minute, with the game long decided.

“Honestly, tonight I’m kinda out of words,” said Chiasson, who has 10 goals. “There’s probably one reason why we win the game: Our goaltending. Other than that, we’d better be prepared for that. If we play like that it’s not going to look too pretty after 20.”

The Oilers were outshot 21-7 in the opening stanza, starting late for the second straight game.

“At this time of year, you would as a team that games like this, the way the standings are, every game is meaningful,” Chiasson said. “You would think maybe we would be on our toes a little bit more.”

It’s the dog days of the season, and their coach knows it. Tippett will give the boys Brier Sunday off, and he doesn’t care if they watch curling or knit a sweater.

“Just don’t play hockey,” he decreed. “We got home at 3:30 or 4:30 in the morning (Friday) after playing three games in four days and this was four in six. You go through those rigours of that and hard games and it is hard.

“We just had no juice,” he continued. “You look down (your bench) and you are just hoping that someone gives you something. Some nights are 1180290 Websites But Luongo doesn’t have a Cup, and we can’t help but wonder if Price is thinking about his own legacy possibly being marked by the same distinction when all is said and done.

Sportsnet.ca / Luongo's legacy could leave Canadiens' Price thinking It would be normal if he was—especially just one day after Canadiens about his own legend Henri Richard passed away and his Hall of Fame career, marked by an NHL-record 11 Stanley Cup wins, was paid beautiful tribute. If he wasn’t thinking about it while Luongo’s jersey was ascending, it might have popped into his head a couple of times as he watched backup Eric Engels | @EricEngels Charlie Lindgren and his Canadiens teammates lose 4-1 to a Panthers March 7, 2020, 11:20 PM team that had just lost six of its last seven games and a franchise-worst eight straight at home.

The goaltender might be under contract for six more seasons with the It’s all about legacy in the end, and the ultimate legacy each and every Canadiens, at an annual cap hit of $10.5 million, but it would be NHL player wants to leave is that of a Stanley Cup champion. understandable if his patience was wearing thin at the end of a week that started with the team’s general manager, Marc Bergevin, stating in Considering that, you had to wonder what Montreal Canadiens multiple interviews that he doesn’t see it as a necessity to make many goaltender Carey Price was thinking as he looked on from somewhere fundamental changes. inside BB&T Center as Roberto Luongo’s No. 1 became the first number retired in Florida Panthers’ history on Saturday. “I know I’m going to sound crazy, but I like our team,” Bergevin also told our Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday, from the GM meetings, which were Not that Price, or anyone else, should look down on Luongo’s legacy just held just a couple of dozen miles away from where the Canadiens because the Saint-Leonard, Que., native never got to lift that fabled Cup recorded their 39th loss of the season on Saturday. “When our team is over his head; it’s just that it’s patently obvious it’s not the one he wants playing to their optimum level and we’re healthy, I believe our team is a for himself when all is said and done. He made that abundantly clear in playoff team.” this exclusive interview with the Athletic last summer. Whether or not Price agrees is a subject that’s bound to be broached That had to be on the mind of the 32-year-old from Anahim Lake, B.C., with him several times between now and when he returns to Kelowna, prior to yet another loss for his Canadiens, who are tumbling towards a B.C., for his summer vacation. lottery pick and in the midst of winding down a third consecutive season that is bound to end in early April. And even if the goaltender does believe that the Canadiens, as currently constructed, are at least good enough to do what more than half the Still, Price had to be happy for Luongo, who carved out a remarkable league does every spring—16 of 31 teams qualify for the playoffs—the career and was being celebrated for it. We’re talking about a player who hope has to be that he believes they can contend for a Cup sooner rather came within just one win of a Cup as a member of the Vancouver than later. Because Price isn’t getting any younger, and his legacy—of Canucks in 2011, a player who won the William Jennings Trophy that being the Canadiens all-time leader in regular-season wins, an Olympic year, a gold medal winner for Team Canada in two World Gold medalist, a World Junior champion, a Calder Cup champion, a Hart, Championships, two Olympic Games and a member of Canada’s 2004 Vezina, Jennings Trophy winner and a Ted Lindsay Award winner—has World Cup of Hockey team. to be at the top of his mind. If you’re unsure if those are Hall of Fame credentials, consider that It’s a legacy that’s likely to see him eventually elected to the Hall of Luongo played 1044 NHL games (second-most in league history) and he Fame, a legacy that will inevitably have his No. 31 raised to the rafters at retired in 2019 having made the second-most saves (28,409) and having the Bell Centre. recorded the third-most wins (489) of any goaltender before him. His numbers—a .919 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average— But he knows it’ll be slightly out of place among the 14 that already hang are beyond respectable considering the length of his career and the there if he doesn’t win a Cup, and that’s definitely not how he’d like to (often poor) quality teams he played for. stand apart when his magnificent career comes to an end.

And when Luongo was on an edition of the Canucks or Panthers worthy of participating in the playoffs, he made the most of it by posting a .918 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average in his 70 post-season Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.08.2020 games.

“Bobby Lou,” as he’s affectionately become known, spent his first five seasons in Florida and returned there to play in parts of six more after spending eight seasons with the Canucks. No member of the organization was more influential on or off the ice over that time.

On it, Luongo won 230 times and recorded 38 shutouts for the Panthers. Off of it, he rallied his teammates often.

And we’ll never forget how he rallied the entire Parkland, Fla., community with this speech in the wake of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed the lives of 17 people and injured another 17 in February of 2018.

All of that was commemorated in the most profound way when Luongo’s jersey was pulled to the rafters on Saturday evening.

We’re sure Price was as thrilled to see it happen as anyone else in the building. Earlier in the day, he was unequivocal in his support for his former Olympic teammate.

“I’m very happy for him,” Price told reporters. “He’s such a fun personality to be around. He has very quick wit. I got to play with him in Sochi (in the 2014 Games), and he was a great partner for me there. He was always a great ambassador for goaltending. I definitely followed his career. He’s been a role model for myself and many other Canadian goaltenders. His style, his competitiveness, he definitely had the right attitude coming into games.” 1180291 Websites Among its hires, Seattle has brought in people like Dani Chu, hand- picked straight out of Simon Fraser University; siblings Kyle Boyd (youth and community development/training director) and Kendall Boyd-Tyson (now VP of strategy and analytics); and analytics guru Namita Sportsnet.ca / How NHL Seattle is changing the game with focus on Nandakumar, a star in the analytics world who thrived with the diversity Philadelphia Eagles.

“I think it’s about time that we make that a priority in this business – and I’m speaking about the sports business overall,” Leiweke said of Emily Sadler | @EmmySadler diversity. “We have made it a priority here and in some ways it’s not the March 7, 2020, 8:41 AM path of least resistance. When you think about a key executive and you think about people you’ve worked with, so often you’re thinking about men. So it takes a little bit of a double clutch to say, ‘Hey, maybe they don’t have to have 10 or 20 years of experience.’ Maybe there are some The NHL’s newest franchise doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s already leaps of faith. I’m really proud with the progress we’re making. It’s still a forging its identity — and the league is all the better for it. work in progress, but I can cite examples of just phenomenal people that “I think from the beginning when you walk in you realize that the have come on our team who represent diversity and who are going to organization looks a little different than maybe other hockey serve us well going forward.” organizations around the league,” said NHL Seattle director of hockey The hiring of USA Hockey legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi strategy and research Alexandra Mandrycky. Granato as a pro scout shed even more light on the club’s way of Mandrycky was the first hockey operations hire in Seattle — and the first thinking. While we had already seen women start to break into scouting sign that this is a franchise looking to do things a little differently, both in departments across the NHL — Noelle Needham was hired as an terms of diversity and its attitude towards analytics. amateur scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018 — Granato was the first woman to hold her position. “It’s really exciting,” Mandrycky, 29, said of the rare opportunity to build a team from the ground up. “So often when you come into any business “I think that people will take note, and I think that we will see some and you’re hired for this position, you’re walking into something that change, and I think it’ll just be really positive,” Granato told Simpson. already exists. You’re trying to maybe help change a culture that’s pre- “Whatever background you are, it doesn’t matter. I think that’ll happen. I existing. Here, it’s such an exciting challenge because we really get to think the fact that Seattle’s doing it like this, I think you’ll for sure see lay the foundation — we get to create the culture.” more of it.”

While the on-ice roster is still a ways away from taking shape, NHL That’s already begun to happen around the hockey world. Since Seattle CEO Tod Leiweke and the rest of the leadership core have been Granato’s hiring, Blake Bolden has joined the Los Angeles Kings in a busy assembling an organization as diverse as the city it calls home. similar role. And in October, the Moose Jaw Warriors hired Olivia Howe, What truly separates Seattle from other pro sports clubs is its devotion to making her the first woman to be part of a WHL coaching staff. diversity. The organization currently has a 50/50 gender split throughout, “The head coach actually credited and referenced — ‘You know, I’d and a leadership team that features women in more than half of its VP never thought of it before and then I was hearing about what NHL Seattle roles. was doing and I just thought, ‘Why not?’” Mandrycky said of the hiring. “Ultimately, the test for us is, how will we look on opening day? Will we “So, I think if the NHL starts this trend, it’s going to trickle down across look like the community we serve? Will we look like our fanbase?” the hockey world.” Leiweke recently told Sportsnet’s Christine Simpson. “I think there’s a Stream over 500 NHL games blackout-free, including the Flames, Oilers, real movement afoot and it’s really exciting to see that glass ceilings are Leafs and Canucks. Plus Hockey Night in Canada, Rogers Hometown being broken all around.” Hockey, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey and more. Leiweke is no stranger to Seattle, nor to the art of bringing an expansion A research-based role like Mandrycky’s in Seattle wouldn’t typically be in franchise to life. He revived the NFL’s Seahawks into the perennial the spotlight – and that’s just fine with her – but she understands the contenders we know today, and also launched the city’s Major League importance of being in the public eye when it comes to creating change. Soccer team, the Sounders. On the hockey front, he helped launch the Minnesota Wild and, most recently, was integral in building up the Tampa “I don’t really like attention, but I recognize that as these types of stories Bay Lightning into a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. are written, if my name pops up in other stories, someone will see, ‘Oh, she’s a woman and she’s in this story about hockey,’ and then it just But the former NFL COO is not resting on his laurels as he takes on this becomes the norm,” she said. new challenge. As Mandrycky explained, it’s not simply that NHL clubs have been averse “I think that when you’re hiring people, one way that a lot of that happens to new ideas in the past. The issue lies in the pipeline and the traditional, is you think about who you’ve worked with and who you’ve had good hierarchy-based pools from which they’re searching. experiences with,” he said. “And when you’ve come from the sports business where it’s a lot of men, there’s a tendency to sort of round up “I think if you only pool candidates from those traditional pipelines, you’re the usual suspects. I think that we’ve not felt that pressure. We’ve been doomed to not have diversity on staff,” she said. “And that’s not to say hiring early in a very thoughtful sort of way.” that those pipelines aren’t extremely valuable – those people have lots of experience that they deserve to be in consideration for all these Leiweke has had plenty of help in the process, learning from those he’s positions. But I think they aren’t the only people that we’re placing in surrounded himself with in Seattle — people like Mandrycky, general consideration as we think about hiring out the group.” manager Ron Francis, and VP of human resources April West — as well as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and executive VP of social impact, She pointed out that it takes a conscious effort to interrupt the traditional growth initiatives and legislative affairs Kim Davis. way of seeking candidates.

When it comes to the expansion-team challenge of cultivating a diverse “It requires someone to be open-minded to consider that application and fanbase, Davis pointed to the success of the Vegas Golden Knights. really try to hire the best person available,” she said. “So I think the organizations that have shown … open-mindedness to bringing women “We know the demographics have shifted across North America – macro on board, I think that they should definitely be applauded in that way.” demographics, but micro demographics absolutely, by market,” Davis said of Vegas during an interview last month. “I think each of our markets are beginning to get smarter about understanding where are the growth opportunities for them, and building these pipelines of talent from youth Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.08.2020 and ensuring that at every rung of that pipeline, there’s an open, accessible opportunity – whether it be for girls, whether it be for people of colour, broken by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation – that we create an environment where people just win.” 1180292 Websites • The opponent’s power-play and penalty-kill formations and strategies, for those on special teams.

• The opposition’s breakout, neutral zone and forecheck inclinations. Sportsnet.ca / Quick Shifts: Maple Leafs have 'an elite goal scorer' on the • Face-off tendencies of the opponent’s centremen, for those who take way draws.

• Aspects the Leafs should key on for that game. Luke Fox | @lukefoxjukebox • Heart-rate monitoring software. March 7, 2020, 8:30 AM • Skills development drills.

Each player is left to his own devices (hey-oh!) to use his iPad when and A quick mix of the things we gleaned from the week of hockey, serious how he chooses. and less so, and rolling four lines deep. EBUG-free for 14 days and “Depends who you are, Alexander Kerfoot says. “Some guys, for sure, if counting! it’s too much information, then they’re overthinking it. It’s better for them 1. One of the highest-scoring clubs in the league has another one to just get out and play. Other guys want all the information. coming. “At least I know it. If I make a mistake out there, it’s on me. But I like to Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson is absolutely lighting up be prepared. I don’t think I overthink it. The more you know, the more the , averaging 1.2 goals per game over a 44- comfortable you are, and the more you can let your instincts take over on game span. the ice.”

Robertson hit the 50-goal mark in Game 43 with a short-handed, game- Kerfoot leaves the iPad in his stall after the morning’s skate or meeting, winning beauty in a hat-trick effort. returns to the rink post-nap well before puck drop and goes through it, focusing mostly on the face-off scouting report and any changes Sheldon Even better? Only 12 of Robertson’s snipes have arrived on the power Keefe has made to their Leafs’ own plan. play, six have been shorties, and 10 have been game-winners. In addition to overall goals, he leads his junior circuit in short-handed and “It definitely helps. Probably some games more than others,” says winning goals as well. Kerfoot, who relied on the tool heavily in the season’s early days. He was the new guy, and he was trying to take in as much as he could. “This is not like Nick has had a good season. Nick’s an elite goal scorer. That’s what he is. One of the hardest-working players you’ll ever see,” Kerfoot’s former club, the Colorado Avalanche, used the same XOS Peterborough Petes head coach Robert Wilson told Lead Off Thursday. ThunderCloud system for digital pre-scouts, but the Avs weren’t served with their own preloaded tablets alongside their morning coffee. “You’re banking on, as a coaching staff, that Nick is scoring a goal a game — and he doesn’t let you down that way.” Fellow centre John Tavares picks up the 91 tablet to drill down on the face-off scout and pays close attention to the special-teams info. He’s Robertson’s OHL-goal-leading campaign has been all the more also brought his iPad on the ice with him during practice to keep an eye impressive considering Wilson has constantly juggled the 18-year-old’s on his heart rate and making sure he’s pushing himself hard on a linemates and the kid missed a month of action to represent the U.S. at workday and not overexerting himself on a recovery day. the world juniors. For, say, a Western Conference club, he might invest more screen time Wilson explained that Toronto has monitored the 2019 second-rounder’s because it’s an opponent he seldom sees. For other games, he’ll scale progress closely, even sending Barb Underhill across the 401 for power- back and lean on his own experience. skating sessions. “It gives you as much information as you want or as you need. It’s a great “They’re pretty on it,” Wilson said. “Leafs fans will definitely hear about tool to have,” Tavares says. “Some guys are on it in between periods. It Nick.” just depends on the way you feel. Sometimes I feel like there’s too much information, and it’s just nice to just go out there and trust your instincts.” Toronto’s general manager, Kyle Dubas, tweeted his congratulations to Robertson this week and took a moment to praise his prospect when the 3. Jake Casey, everybody. Fathers, hide your daughters: executive met with reporters at the GM meetings in Boca Raton, Fla. 4. Precisely four weeks out from the conclusion of the regular season, “He’s had a great season,” Dubas said. “With his work ethic, he’s only here are my major individual trophy leaders. going to continue to push himself to get better.” Hart: Leon Draisaitl Robertson himself has been thinking about how he’ll fit into the Maple Leafs’ system since draft day. Norris: John Carlson

“They play my style. They play a big skill game with Matthews (and) Selke: Brad Marchand Marner. I’m not saying I’m that calibre of player yet – I hope to be – but Vezina: Andrei Vasilevskiy there’s a lot of skill,” said Robertson, back when he was turning heads at development camp. “So it’s a great spot. Calder: Quinn Hughes

“I don’t think size is a factor. I think Toronto doesn’t see it as a factor. Lady Byng: Teuvo Teravainen They’re a lot about skill and puck possession and hockey IQ. And that’s what I bring.” Jack Adams: Alain Vigneault

2. When the Maple Leafs arrive at the rink on game days, they always Jim Gregory: Joe Sakic discover that Santa has left an educational gift in each of their stalls: A 5. The NHL’s salary cap is projected to rise from $81 million in 2019-20 preloaded, personalized iPad slapped with a blue leaf decal stamped to somewhere between $84 million and $88.2 million. That $4.2 million is with their individual sweater number. a wide range, enough to accommodate a top-four defenceman like Oscar The tradition began during Toronto’s playoff series with the Boston Klefbom, Jonas Brodin, or Josh Manson. Bruins last spring and has continued throughout this season. It could also mean the difference between giving one of your impending “What exactly is on the thing?” we wondered. UFAs the raise he’s gunning for or letting him walk and find his riches elsewhere. • An edit of each skater’s own shifts from the previous game. Every GM wants more salary to play with, but cap-tight teams facing • A breakdown of the night’s opposing goaltender with his tendencies and major decisions with key contributors are probably praying the ceiling weaknesses. gets pushed as close to $88.2 million as possible. The Vancouver Canucks (Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev), Washington Not that he’s in it for the dough, but perhaps Ayres gets some form of Capitals (Braden Holtby), St. Louis Blues (Alex Pietrangelo), Arizona compensation down the line. Maybe from his hockey card — which is Coyotes (Taylor Hall or suitable replacement), and Boston Bruins (Torey totally going on my Christmas wish list: Krug) stick out. 10. Mika Zibanejad scored five goals, including the overtime winner, 6. Markstrom had earned the Vancouver Canucks points in four straight Thursday. At the time, that was more than 441 NHL skaters had scored games before going out long-term with his knee injury. all season long. Dude is a star.

Since the goalie has been sidelined, the Canucks have gone 2-4. 11. With Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe still tinkering around with his bottom Friday’s first regulation win since Markstrom’s injury — a biggie over six as he tries to find the perfect mix for secondary scoring, and Toronto’s Colorado — is hopefully one to build on. offence going dry during its California swing, I wonder if Kenny Agostino gets a call-up and a brief look. As a franchise — and a city — expecting to build on a campaign with so much excitement and promise, how can Vancouver not re-sign The 27-year-old journeyman (Flames, Blues, Bruins, Canadiens, Devils) Markstrom and roll into fall with its fate in the hands of Thatcher Demko? has 85 NHL games on his resume but none this season.

7. Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith made 36 NHL Taking off under new AHL coach Greg Moore, Agostino is now the appearances last season and zero with the farm club. He was rewarded Marlies’ top scorer, outproducing a quartet of teammates who have with a three-year, one-way deal in 2019 for $3.75 million. earned a look with the big club: Pontus Aberg, Nic Petan, Egor Korshkov and Adam Brooks. And, as the flip side of the Tristan Jarry success story, he’s played the entire 2019-20 campaign in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the baby Pens. “Kenny has been our best player for the last two months. He’s really, Certainly, this is not how he imagined life as a millionaire. really driven the offence for us and even at times when we get down by two goals, he goes out and has physical shifts and gets a couple good “I just think he was a victim of circumstance, but he’s an NHL goalie,” hits and brings energy. He’s finding ways to have an impact in every says Mike Vellucci, DeSmith’s coach. hockey game,” Moore told reporters. “He can absolutely wire a puck.”

Especially when the season opened, DeSmith took his demotion hard. With weeks still remaining in the season, the left-winger has already Vellucci describes it as a “Why me? What did I do wrong?” kind of a established a new career high in goals (27) and has added 22 assists. thing. Friday’s two-goal performance gave him nine points in six games.

For about two weeks, the coach let his disappointed athlete cool. Then “It feels good,” Agostino said. “We’ve had so many different line combos he called DeSmith in for a good chat. The coach explained that the whole year. I just think it speaks to the depth of our team really. We DeSmith’s bump to the minors was purely circumstantial — it helps the have so many forwards that are skilled and can make plays and I’ve big club’s cap picture that, until July 1, Jarry carries a more manageable been fortunate to play with a lot of them like Aberg, Petan, (Tanner) hit — and that people would take notice of how he responded to this MacMaster as of late, Korshkov. I’ve really kind of played with everyone challenge. at some point.”

“He started playing great,” Vellucci says. “It’s not what happens to you; 12. Strombone 1 love. it’s how you deal with what happens to you. And that’s what I talked to him about: Which way does he want to go? He’s taken the positive route On Saturday night, Roberto Luongo will become the first player to have and worked really hard on his game. I’m really proud of how he’s handled his number (1) retired by the Florida Panthers. Fun fact: At the same it.” time, the Panthers will become the first NHL franchise to begin retiring sweater numbers sequentially. No other team began their rafters-hanging If Pittsburgh opts not to give both Jarry and Matt Murray juicy raises in tradition with a player who wore No. 1. free agency this summer, they have a No. 2 in DeSmith who is hungry and under contract. If Jim Rutherford does want to reward both Jarry and Sources say there is no truth to the rumour that the Canucks must chip in Murray, DeSmith becomes intriguing trade bait for one of the handful of $3,033,206 to Saturday night’s retirement party in Sunrise. clubs that will be eager to shake up their crease.

8. Kudos to the league for easing up on its nitpicking around the blueline and reducing offsides to a touchdown-esque “breaking the plane” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.08.2020 determination.

The spirit of the rule was to discourage cherry-pickers, remember? If everyone could turn back the clock, would we not just go back to letting offsides be the official’s call, for better or worse.

Getting mad at refs is infinitely more fun than getting mad at the precious life minutes wasted by video review.

9. The NHL did the right thing by not drafting a batch of new rules and regulations surrounding the buzzy EBUG, a fluke occurrence that happens so infrequently and, it turns out, doesn’t even harm the team you’d think.

If they were going to alter anything about the role, how about making it a paid gig?

David Ayres signed a contract for an amateur tryout (ATO) and was officially paid $0 for his win — although he kept his Hurricanes sweater, and we’re guessing his media tour included a few perks.

“Under this agreement, the Player shall receive no salary, bonus (of any kind) or any other form of compensation,” reads the NHL regular-season ATO contract.

Like a true rent-a-goalie, the Carolina players dug into their own pockets to show some thanks for showing up in a pinch. “Yes, we did give a little bit of money,” Sebastian Aho told Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish outlet .

Funny: The NHL got its biggest mainstream publicity boost from its lowest-paid player. It probably wouldn’t kill HRR for the league to kick in a bigger stipend to the next EBUG. 1180293 Websites “Just stupid on my part there,” he said. “You know, frustration took over there. That’s the last time that happens, I’m better than that.”

And Matthews, who tossed the puck blindly into the middle of his own Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' California catastrophe could haunt them zone and saw Adam Henrique promptly bury it for a 2-0 Ducks lead, down the line owned up to his lack of awareness in that situation.

“I thought I heard a guy, at least on our team, that was kind of in that spot,” he said. “Usually I expect a guy to be there. I just tried to kind of Chris Johnston | @reporterchris break their pressure and obviously I made a bad mistake, bad turnover, that led to a goal. March 7, 2020, 12:51 AM “That’s obviously on me and I take responsibility for it.”

But the most puzzling stat of all is how a group that was until recently ANAHEIM, Calif. — There is no way to sugar-coat an oh-for-California scoring four goals per game under Keefe went more than 147 minutes road trip. between goals on this trip — a stretch that went from the second period Not at this critical stage of the season. Not with a journey formerly known of Tuesday’s game in San Jose until William Nylander’s 30th of the as the Valley of Death now taking you through cities featuring three of the season in the dying minutes. NHL’s five-worst teams. Matthews suggested that they’re still looking to find the right balance The Toronto Maple Leafs were left grasping for some positive talking between defending and attacking. points following Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks because, at this “I think we’re kind of one foot in the door, one foot out, as far as the way stage in the process, what else could they reasonably do? we want to play,” he said. “I think we all just need to be 100 per cent in.” They’re still holding a playoff spot and still holding out hope that things “You look at a lot of the goals that we’ve scored here in recent games, a will start to fall in place with some key players soon set to return from lot of it’s been happening around the net. We need to have more of a injury. However, they also recognize the need to retreat into the safety of presence in there,” said Keefe. “But it’s an interesting road trip. You’d the team environment with the heat being dialled up around them. never think that our team would give up two goals in two games and only “As a team, we’re trying to stay calm,” said Mitch Marner. “I know media’s come away with one point. a big part in this city that we play in. I think for our team it’s just about “You’d probably think we were talking about a different team, but that’s staying off that — the social media, people are just going to start getting the reality, that’s the way it was this week.” on us and we’re a unit in here, we’re a team. Should they end up losing grip on their playoff spot down the stretch, this “We know what to say to each other to get ourselves going.” string of games will haunt them. This is a group often criticized for being too run-and-gun and it just There’s no way around it. allowed two goals against in 125 minutes of play and earned one out of a possible four points. That’s not something you’d ever expect to see from Sheldon Keefe’s high-octane team and they’re banking on the likelihood the scoring returns sooner than later. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.08.2020

Still, losing to this version of the Ducks should sting.

They were down their top four defencemen because of injury and somehow managed to tilt the Honda Center ice despite facing a huge deficit in talent.

The Leafs looked sluggish, choppy and disconnected while creating just four high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5.

“I think they did a really good job in their neutral zone just kind of clogging it up,” said Auston Matthews, in diagnosing why the offence dried up here. “Really wasn’t much [for us] — not many entries, not a lot of odd-man rushes for us tonight, so they did a really good job. Obviously you’ve got to give them credit, they played really well in that area of the game and kind of forced us to dump pucks.

“We didn’t really have too much speed or anything going in on it so they were able to break out pretty quick. We weren’t able to generate much into their zone and sustain pressure.”

Their offensive attack has gone stale, particularly on a once-lethal power play that turned in another 0-for-3 performance against Anaheim.

They also wasted a strong performance from backup goaltender Jack Campbell, who allowed a goal before the four-minute mark and slammed the door shut for the next 45-plus minutes.

He made a ridiculous save on Ryan Getzlaf late in the second period, displaying cat-like reflexes to glove a puck that appeared destined for the top shelf. All the Ducks captain could do was chuckle.

Marner, in the penalty box following an uncharacteristically poor tripping penalty, nearly broke his stick cheering on Campbell.

“That’s a hell of save,” said Marner.

Under the duress of this playoff race — Toronto still holds a five-point edge over Florida in the Atlantic Division, but has opened the door slightly with two more games played — the team’s young stars are taking ownership for missteps.

Marner apologized for that penalty. 1180294 Websites teammates made a point of seeking him out for a tap on those same shinpads as the puck flew up, over the glass and out of play. The shot block came on one of three Colorado power plays on the night. The Canucks were perfect on the kill and limited the Avs to just four shots on TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Avalanche goal with the man-advantage. The Canucks penalty kill had struggled of late allowing seven goals on 18 opportunities entering the night including

a pair of late power play goals in Columbus last Sunday. But with Demko Jeff Paterson providing the last line of defense and the penalty killers in front of him doing their part, too, the Canucks were able to shore up a sore spot in their game. They had key penalty kills at 1-0 in the first period and again at 4-3 in the third. Goals there could have swung this game in Colorado's TAKEAWAYS favour, but the Canucks ensured that didn't happen. 1) As it turns out, the third time was the charm for the Vancouver 5) It wasn't quite the Boston game of three weeks ago, but Friday was Canucks. After letting third period leads get away in their last two games, another solid showing by the Canucks against a top team in the league -- the Canucks were full value their 6-3 victory over Colorado on Friday and one that arrived on their doorstep on a roll. Colorado was 7-0-2 in its night. After a loose first period in which they outscored the Avs 2-1 but last nine games overall and had won nine in a row on the road. Teams were outshot 18-7, the Canucks tightened up their game considerably weren't taking points off the Avalanche of late. So give the Canucks over the final 40 minutes allowing just 14 Colorado shots the rest of the credit for stepping up when they absolutely had to. Sure there are 15 way. And rather than sitting on their 4-3 lead after two periods, the games still left on the schedule so another loss wouldn't have sunk them, Canucks extended their cushion and put the game out of reach scoring but given the recent blown leads, four straight regulation losses at the the only two goals of the final frame. The Canucks made the necessary wrong time of the year and the mood in the market, it sure felt like the adjustments defensively to slow the Colorado attack as the night went Canucks needed Friday's win. And they delivered. With Winnipeg on. There is never any stopping Nathan MacKinnon entirely -- he had two blanking Vegas earlier in the night and temporarily moving in front of assists, four shots and 12 attempts and looks like a threat every time he's Vancouver for a few hours, it marked the first time since December 28th on the ice. But the Canucks didn't allow MacKinnon to dominate the the Canucks had dropped below the playoff bar. But with their win, the hockey game and swing the outcome in the Avs favour. According to Canucks ensured they won't spend the night looking up at eight teams Natural Stat Trick, the Avs had just four even strength shots on goal and ahead of them in the standings. Friday was a good night for the five scoring chances at 5-on-5 over the final period. It felt like a much Vancouver Canucks. The challenge now is to back it up with another more controlled night of hockey by the home team than we've seen of strong result on Sunday when Columbus comes to town. The Blue late when they had the lead and couldn't make it stand up. Jackets stop off in Edmonton, so the tables will be turned from a week 2) The Canucks third line had its game of the season. The trio of Adam ago. Last Sunday, the Canucks were playing back to back when they Gaudette between Antoine Roussel and Zack MacEwen combined for visited Nationwide Arena. Now it's the Canucks turn to get Columbus three goals and six scoring points. Roussel's goal at 12:17 of the second playing on consecutive nights. period put the Canucks in front for good at 4-3 while MacEwen scored his first of the night 2:12 into the middle frame and then put the dagger in the Avalanche with the 5-3 goal with just 3:17 remaining. Both of his goals TSN.CA LOADED: 03.08.2020 came on big-league shots just weeks after Canucks General Manager had declared MacEwen a 'full time NHL'er.' MacEwen did all of his damage -- two goals on two shots, four hits and drawing a second period penalty -- in just 7:15 of ice time. While his ice time was low, his impact was anything but. And his second goal was a clear nod from the coaching staff to the kind of night MacEwen and his linemates were having. With the Canucks up by one and with ghosts of recent games hovering over them, Travis Green utilized a line with two youngsters and his trust in that combination paid off when Roussel worked the puck from behind the net to MacEwen in the slot and the Big Fella roofed the puck short side on Colorado goalie Pavel Francouz. Aside from a Tyler Motte goal in Toronto on Saturday, depth scoring had left the Canucks during their losing skid. But the third line stepped up in a big way and that performance was key to delivering a much needed victory.

3) The Canucks power play went 0 for 3 on the night, but that didn't really matter to the bottom line of the hockey game. What was important to note about two of the three Canucks opportunities with the man- advantage was that they came back to back to open the third period. Veteran defenseman Erik Johnson was called for slashing 1:38 into the third and at 3:26 Vladislav Namestnikov was whistled for holding. The Canucks didn't do a lot with those four minutes over overlapping power play time that included a brief 10 second two-man advantage. But the most significant development of that stretch of the game was that it kept Nathan MacKinnon on the Colorado bench since he doesn't kill penalties. He had a 30-second shift to start the period, but then his team ran into penalty problems. MacKinnon didn't get his second shift of the period until the five and a half minute mark. The best way to contain one of the most-dangerous players in the league is to keep him on the bench and limit his opportunities to even the score. As it turned out, of the three periods on the night, MacKinnon played the least in the third when his team needed him the most.

4) MacKinnon still had his moments in the final period, but perhaps his most-noticeable sequence was snuffed out by Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev. With Alex Edler off for hooking and the Avs operating on the power play with a chance to tie the game, MacKinnon wound up for a one-timer from the circle to the right of Thatcher Demko but was unable to test the Canucks netminder. That's because Tanev stepped into the shooting lane and blocked MacKinnon's blast with his shin pad. It was the biggest of his eight blocks on the night -- a new season-high for any Canuck player. And the value of that play was underscored as Tanev's